Weiss Fellowship for Junior Researchers in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

The Weiss Fund Fellowship provides supplementary financial support for exceptional job market PhD candidates accepting positions in Weiss Fund-eligible countries and doing work aligned with the Weiss Fund's mission and objectives. The Fellowship award will be offered for a maximum of three years, with annual extensions based on performance evaluations at the end of every year. The fellowship is designed to maximize impact on useful research in development economics, supporting candidates who will be based in developing countries with per capita GDP below $13,750 in current USD. The fellowship offers two tracks: Track 1 supports assistant professor positions at academic institutions in Weiss-eligible countries, while Track 2 supports postdoctoral or equivalent research positions where fellows maintain affiliation with a globally leading university but are based in Weiss-eligible countries for at least 65% of their time. Fellows are expected to focus their research on development economics and participate in a research community in their host region. The fellowship provides $20,000 per year to supplement salary and $20,000 per year to cover research expenses aligned with Weiss Fund goals and/or visits to globally leading economics departments. The subsidy phases out with a marginal tax rate of 50% of base salary over $40,000, fully phasing out for those earning $80,000 or more. Annual renewals are conditional on satisfactory performance, including research progress and compliance with fellowship conditions. Applicants must be graduating from globally leading universities, have completed a PhD in Economics, Agricultural Economics, Resource Economics, Public Policy or closely-related field by July 1, 2026, and be on the job market for roles starting 2026-27. Selection is based on strength of research, likely long-run impact on research trajectory, and commitment to development economics.