Associate Director, Research

About the Milken Institute

The Milken Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank determined to increase global prosperity by advancing collaborative solutions that widen access to capital, create jobs and improve health. We do this through independent, data-driven research, action-oriented meetings, and meaningful policy initiatives.

The Opportunity

The Research team within the Milken Institute International pillar is seeking an exceptional candidate for an Associate Director position. We welcome individuals with expertise in regional science, development economics, macroeconomics, or related disciplines to help advance high-impact policy and economic research across the Asia-Pacific region.

Qualified candidates should possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, an advanced degree (PhD, MBA/MS with relevant experience)in economics or a related field, and strong quantitative capabilities, including experience with statistical and economic modeling using R, Python, Stata, or similar tools. The successful candidate will work closely with the Milken Institute’s Asia team in Singapore to identify research opportunities, lead analytical projects, and support the delivery of strategic initiatives.

About Research at the Milken Institute

The Milken Institute’s expert staff regularly releases reports featuring insights, analysis, and implementation roadmaps on topics related to finance, health, and economies. Our research team of PhD economists uses quantitative and mixed methods approaches to produce interactive tools, presentations, and publications. Our Research and Reports are typically used in the governmental, academic, corporate, and nonprofit sectors to drive informed decision-making, shape policies, and develop effective strategies to address issues or improve current practices.

Responsibilities

• Write reports with findings and recommendations that can be shared with stakeholders
• Conduct sophisticated empirical research in international economics and regional trends
• Gather and analyze complex economic data from multiple sources (such as the IMF, World Bank, national statistical offices, and regional datasets)
• Present research findings to technical and non-technical audiences internally and externally
• Produce original research and reports on regional conditions in Asia and the Pacific, including the Milken Institute’s “Best Performing Cities: China” report
• Collaborate closely with the Milken Institute’s Asia team on identifying research opportunities and delivering work products in support of the team’s programmatic work
• Promote the Milken Institute’s work and research findings through interactions with the media and the press and by representing the institute at regional and global convenings

Requirements

• Fluency in Mandarin is required, with native or near-native proficiency strongly preferred, to support research, stakeholder engagement and analysis involving Chinese-language sources and markets.
• Knowledgeable about China’s development policies and regional growth
• Advanced degree (PhD preferred) in Macroeconomics, or a related field 
• A minimum of 6 years of experience in conducting quantitative and qualitative research 
• A minimum of 6 years of experience with statistical analyses and programming tools such as R or Python
• Strong quantitative skills and analytical problem-solving required
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written)
• Proved track record of ability to manage project workflow/priorities and meet deadlines
• Independence and ability to take ownership of each project from start to finish
• Ability to work as part of a team and perform under deadline pressure