Overview

The International Policy Research Assistantship (IPRA) program provides Ford School students the opportunity to build practical skills while supporting new and ongoing faculty research. IPRA is administered by the Ford School’s International Policy Center (IPC) and made possible through the generosity of the Weiser Family.

Prof. Yusuf Neggers seeks an (in-residence) Ford School of Public Policy MPA/MPP student to serve as a part-time research assistant for the Fall 2025 term.  The selected candidate may be asked to continue work during the Winter 2026 term, contingent upon funding availability, and successful completion of Fall 2025 research tasks and IPC reporting requirements.

Prof. Neggers’ research examines questions at the intersection of development economics and political economy, with a focus on state capacity and the delivery of public services. Prof. Neggers is currently conducting two projects: Leveraging Local Accountability to Improve Service Delivery in India; and Improving Local Tax Compliance in India. Using data from India’s state of Bihar and city of Patna, these projects rely heavily on statistical/regression analyses.

Work Location

The work location for this position is primarily remote, with periodic in-person check-ins at Weill Hall with the faculty supervisor.

Start Date

The tentative start date will be Monday, September 8 or 15.

Responsibilities

The student will have opportunities to conduct research-related tasks in support of the faculty’s ongoing project(s). Illustrative tasks include:

·         Conducting data cleaning and basic statistical/regression analyses;

·         Carrying out literature reviews;

·         Completing other duties, as assigned.

Eligibility & Qualifications

·         Current and incoming (in-residence) Ford School MPA/MPP students in good standing. PhD students and non-Ford School students are ineligible for this opportunity. Please note that the Ford School may provide academic standing-related information to faculty supervisors prior to making hiring decisions;

·         Students may only serve in one (1) IPRA position during a given term;

·         Availability to work approximately 10 hours per week on a regular schedule determined by Prof. Neggers and the student at the beginning of the semester;

·         Demonstrated interest in international policy required. Interest in development economics a plus;

·         Prior experience conducting data analyses required. Successful completion of PubPol 639 (Program Evaluation) and prior experience using research relevant-software, including Stata, preferred.

Compensation

·         $20 per hour for MPP/MPA applicants.

Other Considerations

·         If hired, the student must agree to prepare a brief narrative report for IPC each term, detailing IPRA tasks and skills acquired. IPC may share this narrative report information publicly and with the Weiser Family, an IPRA donor, to demonstrate program impact.

How to Apply

Please submit a resumé and one-page cover letter as a single PDF file (required) via U-M’s Student Employment portal by Friday, August 22 (11:59pm). Do NOT submit these materials directly to the faculty supervisor or IPC staff.

·         Current and incoming (in-residence) Ford School MPA/MPP students in good standing. PhD students and non-Ford School students are ineligible for this opportunity. Please note that the Ford School may provide academic standing-related information to faculty supervisors prior to making hiring decisions;

·         Students may only serve in one (1) IPRA position during a given term;

·         Availability to work approximately 10 hours per week on a regular schedule determined by Prof. Neggers and the student at the beginning of the semester;

·         Demonstrated interest in international policy required. Interest in development economics a plus;

·         Prior experience conducting data analyses required. Successful completion of PubPol 639 (Program Evaluation) and prior experience using research relevant-software, including Stata, preferred.