Postdoctoral Fellow in Political Economy of Development

The International Center for the Study of Institutions and Development (ICSID) at HSE University in Moscow, Russia invites applications for postdoctoral research positions in the field of the political economy of development.

Understanding the root causes of economic growth and well-being stands among the most fascinating and important topics in the social sciences. A large body of literature demonstrates the importance of a variety of factors including technologies, institutions, human capital, culture, and decisions of political elites. We know a great deal about the developed world, but there is still a lack of understanding of developing and transition countries.

Russia is a fertile ground for research in the political economy of development. ICSID offers unique databases needed for such kind of research. Among them are:

• An online survey of more than 10500 respondents in 100 Russian cities in 2024 and 23,000 respondents in 61 Russian regions was conducted in November 2020 to study norms, values, attitudes, and behavior during the pandemic.
• Detailed statistics of economic and social life at regional and municipal levels.
• Data on biographies of more than 300 governors in 1993-2018; almost 1000 representatives of the federal elite in 2000-2012, 3,500 officials from the regional elite in 2000-2012.
• Data from the Russian Empire Census of 1897.
• Special surveys, such as one of 3,300 attorneys in 35 regions of Russia.

Current ICSID projects concentrate on a variety of topics, including empirical studies of political elites, collective action, trust and cultural norms and their link to economic development, institutional quality and historical roots of institutions. Candidates are welcome to participate in ongoing projects or offer other topics of research that will be of mutual interest. 

Requirements

The general requirements for the postdoctoral fellowship positions are the following:

• Candidates must hold a recent PhD in economics, sociology, political science, public policy, or government which was awarded over the last 5 years or received before starting work at HSE in a relevant field by an internationally recognized university and has been assessed by external reviewers as having the potential to pursue research that is publishable in leading peer-reviewed journals;
• Candidates should have a strong background and an established research record in economics, sociology, political science, public policy, or government;
• A strong interest in the field of the political economy of development;
• Fluent English  is an obligatory condition as research and other activities are conducted in English. Knowledge of Russian is not required;
  
• Ability to work as a team;
• Quantitative skills, ability to carry out research using Python/R/Stata/similar software to meet standards of academic journals;
• Peer-reviewed publications, working papers, or job market papers in the field will be a strong advantage;
• Submission of at least one paper related to the project in peer-reviewed journal;
• Full-time research with at least two presentations of results during the year;
• Relevant experience will be an asset although not required. 

The position involves:

• working under the supervision of  Dr. Anton Kazun;

• possibility to collaborate with the ICSID team;
• taking part in the ICSID’s research projects/pursuing independent research;
• publishing papers in peer-reviewed academic journals in economics, political science, regional studies, public policy, history, sociology;
• presenting research results at seminars and conferences;
• participation in the organization of ICSID events;
• public presentations of candidate’s research to the academic community;
• successful candidates are encouraged to pursue their research(up to 50% of the time) in parallel with the ongoing research at ICSID;

• some teaching is encouraged, though not required.

Conditions

Appointments are normally made for one year (since September 2026). Postdoctoral fellows have an opportunity to renew the contract (no more than two times).

HSE University offers postdoctoral fellows a competitive salary, the standard medical insurance plan, a working space equipped with a computer and free Internet access at the University.

The Center offers access to its unique databases on socio-economic indicators of the Russian regions, political elites and historical roots of institutions in Russia. ICSID also provides all necessary support for research such as up-to-date analytical software, funding for attendance at international conferences and research assistantship. Moreover, the HSE library provides access to a large collection of academic journals.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted online. Please provide a CV, a statement of research interest and a recent research paper submitted via an online application form. At least two letters of recommendation should be sent directly to the International Faculty Recruitment Office at fellowship@hse.ru before the application deadline. Please note that direct applications to thehiring center may not be reviewed.

Read more about the application process here.

The deadline for the applications is January 31, 2026

Apply now

For more information:

• about Postdoctoral Fellowship -Frequently Asked Questions
  
• about HSE university –official web-site
  
• about the International Center for the Study of Institutions and Development (ICSID) – official website of the Centre or contact Rosalia Sultimova, a manager of the center, rsultimova@hse.ru
  
• about international specialists' life in Moscow -International Faculty Support page

If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact the International Faculty Recruitment Office at fellowship@hse.ru.