Center for Global Development Announces Fellow and Senior Fellow Job Opportunities in Market Shaping and Innovation Policy – Washington, DC, USA

About this opportunity

The Center for Global Development (CGD) is inviting applications from qualified economists for the positions of Fellow and Senior Fellow within its Market

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The Center for Global Development (CGD) is inviting applications from qualified economists for the positions of Fellow and Senior Fellow within its Market Shaping Accelerator (MSA), based in Washington, DC, United States.

The opportunities are designed for economists with strong academic and professional backgrounds in economic theory, industrial organisation, market design, innovation policy and applied economic research. Successful candidates will contribute to developing innovative market-shaping mechanisms that encourage investment in solutions to pressing global challenges, particularly in global health, pandemic preparedness, climate change, artificial intelligence safety and drug repurposing.

The positions offer an opportunity to contribute to influential policy research, engage with international policymakers and philanthropic funders, and develop practical economic solutions that advance innovation and inclusive development.

1. About the Center for Global Development

The Center for Global Development is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit policy research organisation operating in Washington, DC, and London, UK.

The organisation focuses on research and policy issues affecting inclusive development, particularly the relationship between the policy and financial priorities of low- and middle-income countries and the governments, institutions and corporations capable of supporting sustainable progress.

Its Market Shaping Accelerator, founded by Rachel Glennerster, Michael Kremer and Christopher Snyder, works to encourage innovation through advance market commitments and other market-shaping mechanisms.

The initiative seeks to address areas where the potential social benefits of innovation are greater than the commercial returns available to private investors.

2. Available Positions

CGD is recruiting for two professional levels within the Market Shaping Accelerator.

A. Fellow – Market Shaping Accelerator

This position is suitable for economists completing their PhD or those with relevant research and policy experience.

Salary: USD 130,000–150,000 annually.

Location: Washington, DC.

Employment type: Full-time.

B. Senior Fellow – Market Shaping Accelerator

This position targets experienced economists with an established research profile, professional networks and a demonstrated record of leadership in market shaping and innovation policy.

Salary: USD 170,000–190,000 annually.

Location: Washington, DC.

Employment type: Full-time.

Salary will be determined according to the successful candidate’s education, skills and professional experience.

3. Key Responsibilities

The successful Fellow or Senior Fellow will lead research and policy activities focused on designing market-shaping mechanisms that align private-sector incentives with broader social benefits.

Responsibilities will include:

Developing and leading a research agenda combining economic modelling, quantitative analysis, institutional knowledge and practical policy design.

Designing and evaluating market-shaping mechanisms, including advance market commitments, prizes, milestone payments and outcome-based funding models.

Identifying opportunities to accelerate innovation in global health, pandemic preparedness, climate, AI safety and other areas of global public interest.

Mobilising financial resources to support research and policy initiatives within the Market Shaping Accelerator.

Representing MSA through conferences, public engagements, policy discussions, publications and stakeholder meetings.

Developing research papers, policy briefs, reports and analytical commentary for policymakers, philanthropic organisations and development partners.

Providing analytical support to colleagues and supervising and mentoring research assistants and junior professionals.

Building relationships with policymakers, donors, researchers and technical experts.

4. Required Qualifications and Experience

Applicants for both positions must demonstrate:

A PhD in Economics, completed or expected before the position’s start date.

Academic training in economic theory, industrial organisation, market design, innovation economics or related disciplines.

Strong analytical capabilities, including microeconomic theory, applied modelling and quantitative research.

Ability to develop transparent economic models and translate complex findings into practical policy recommendations.

Demonstrated interest in policy impact and the ability to manage projects from conceptualisation through implementation.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Strong organisational skills and the ability to work independently within a collaborative research environment.

Understanding of policy processes and the practical constraints facing policymakers.

5. Additional Requirements for Senior Fellow Applicants

Candidates applying for the Senior Fellow position must demonstrate additional professional experience and leadership capabilities, including:

At least five years of relevant professional experience beyond the PhD.

A distinguished body of research and professional contributions in market shaping or innovation policy.

Strong professional networks across research, policymaking and funding communities.

A proven record of securing external financial support for research programmes.

Experience managing complex research and policy initiatives.

Demonstrated experience supervising, mentoring and developing junior professionals.

6. Application Deadlines

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, with two scheduled review cycles.

First application review: November 1, 2026.

Second application review: February 1, 2027.

Final application closing date: March 1, 2027, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

Candidates are encouraged to apply early because applications will be reviewed during the two scheduled recruitment cycles.

7. Required Application Documents

Interested candidates must submit the following documents:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

An updated CV highlighting academic qualifications, research experience, publications, professional achievements and relevant policy work.

2. Cover Letter

The cover letter must indicate whether the candidate is applying for the Fellow or Senior Fellow position. It should explain the applicant’s interest in joining the Market Shaping Accelerator and demonstrate relevant experience in market shaping, innovation policy, industrial organisation, market design or related economic-policy analysis.

3. Writing Sample

Applicants must provide a research paper demonstrating their analytical writing and research capabilities. The submission may be a published paper or working paper.

An additional policy-oriented writing sample of 500–1,000 words is also welcome.

8. Work Location and Employment Conditions

The position is based in Washington, DC, under CGD’s hybrid working arrangement.

All staff members are required to work from the office at least three days per week.

Candidates must be able to declare their primary residence in Washington, DC, Maryland or Virginia.

CGD confirms that it will sponsor United States work authorisation for this position, subject to its ability and the candidate’s ability to secure the necessary work visa.

Successful candidates will be required to complete the standard United States employment eligibility verification process.

CGD is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to maintaining a diverse, inclusive and collaborative working environment.

9. How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications through the official CGD recruitment portal.

Organisation: Center for Global Development (CGD).

Programme: Market Shaping Accelerator.

Positions: Fellow and Senior Fellow.

Location: Washington, DC, United States.

Employment type: Full-time.

Fellow salary: USD 130,000–150,000 annually.

Senior Fellow salary: USD 170,000–190,000 annually.

First review deadline: November 1, 2026.

Second review deadline: February 1, 2027.

Final deadline: March 1, 2027.

Official application portal: https://www.cgdev.org/

Applicants should locate the Market Shaping Accelerator Fellow/Senior Fellow vacancy through the official recruitment page and follow the application instructions.

10. Why Consider This Opportunity?

These positions provide experienced economists and emerging researchers with an opportunity to influence international development policy through innovative economic research.

The successful candidates will contribute to research that addresses market failures, encourages private investment and supports the development of solutions to major global challenges.

The opportunities are particularly relevant to economists interested in translating academic research into practical policy interventions with measurable societal benefits.

Qualified candidates with the required academic credentials, analytical capabilities and commitment to innovation policy are encouraged to apply.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations.

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Who can apply

verification process.

CGD is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to maintaining a diverse, inclusive and collaborative working environment.

9. How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications through the official CGD recruitment portal.

Benefits

of innovation are greater than the commercial returns available to private investors.

2. Available Positions

CGD is recruiting for two professional levels within the Market Shaping Accelerator.

Requirements and application process

for Senior Fellow Applicants

Candidates applying for the Senior Fellow position must demonstrate additional professional experience and leadership capabilities, including:

At least five years of relevant professional experience beyond the PhD.

A distinguished body of research and professional contributions in market shaping or innovation policy.

Strong professional networks across research, policymaking and funding communities.

A proven record of securing external financial support for research programmes.

Center for Global Development Announces Fellow and Senior Fellow Job Opportunities in Market Shaping and Innovation Policy – Washington, DC, USA - Global South Opportunities

About this opportunity

Who can apply

Benefits

Requirements and application process