Senior Applied Economist

Senior Applied Economist at DEPOCEN

The Development and Policies Research Center (DEPOCEN), an independent research organization established in 2005, is currently seeking Senior Researcher(s) to join their team in Hanoi.

DEPOCEN is renowned for its high-quality, policy-relevant research on a wide range of socio-economic issues in Vietnam. They collaborate closely with international organizations, government agencies, universities, and the private sector. The organization is a co-founder of the Vietnam Economist Annual Meeting (VEAM) and Center for Advanced Studies in Economics and Data Science (CASED).

Key Information:

Location: Hanoi
Type: Full-time
Focus Areas: Economic Research | AI & the Future of Work | Health Economics
Starting Date: As soon as possible
Application Deadline: August 16, 2026 (Applications reviewed on a rolling basis; early submission is highly encouraged).
How to Apply: Send your CV and cover letter to [email protected] and [email protected]

Job Description & Key Project

We are seeking a Senior Researcher/ Team Lead who beliefs that research is a serious, persistent process that delivers actionable and practical value. In this role, you will participate in high-impact initiatives, specifically focusing on:

Economic Research Projects: Leading/ Participating in microeconomic studies, strategic consulting, and data-driven analysis to solve complex economic challenges for clients and policy-makers.
AI & The Future of Work Project: Designing and participating in an experimental research measuring how artificial intelligence, automation, and digital transformation are reshaping labor markets, productivity, skill demands, and economic structures in Vietnam and the broader region.
Health Economics: Conducting evidence-based policy research on healthcare systems, health financing, public health interventions, and the socio-economic impacts of health outcomes in Vietnam and the region.

Core Responsibilities:

Research & Project Leadership: Serve as Team Lead on economics and AI/Future of Work projects—translating research concepts into funded grants and actionable studies.
Advanced Data Modeling: Apply advanced statistical, econometric, and data science models to ensure high certainty and reliability in all research outcomes.
Mentorship & Strategy: Mentor and guide junior researchers, build team capability, and contribute to DEPOCEN’s strategic research roadmap.

Qualifications:

Education: Master’s Degree in Economics, Health Economics, Data Science, Quantitative Social Sciences, or related fields (PhD, especially from an international university, is strongly preferred).
Domain Expertise: Experience in socio-economic research, health policy analysis, labor market dynamics, or digital economy/AI studies. Publications in reputable academic journals are a major advantage.
Technical Skills: Proficiency in advanced statistical software and programming tools (e.g., R, Stata, Python, MATLAB).
Leadership & Mindset: Strong critical thinking, proven team management abilities, and an eager, proactive approach to new analytical frameworks.
Languages: English and Vietnamese.
Flexibility: Willingness to travel for fieldwork and policy consultation.

Opportunities at DEPOCEN:

Contribute empirical evidence to ongoing discussions on health systems, technology adoption, and labor market trends in Vietnam.
Exchange ideas with international and domestic economists, public health specialists, and policy-makers across the VEAM and CASED networks.
Opportunities to participate in CASED training programs (as both learner and lecturer) and present at flagship conferences like VEAM.
Financial and logistical support for further study or research abroad.
Competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and a collaborative, dynamic work culture.

Please note: Please note the application deadline of August 16, 2026. We highly encourage early submissions, as applications will be reviewed and candidates will be interviewed and selected on a rolling basis. Therefore, submitting your application sooner rather than later could increase your chances.