PURPOSE

To provide advanced graduate students with experience in policy-relevant empirical research and to assist them in developing their own research/dissertation topic.

ACTIVITIES

The research fellow will assist EPI economists in empirical research, providing an opportunity to develop as well as use statistical and methodological capabilities. The Fellow will develop research/dissertation ideas and explore databases at EPI, and will be encouraged to attend seminars, hearings and conferences in the D.C. area. SEIU will provide the research fellow with the opportunity to learn about the role of labor unions in the policy-making process.
Research will be empirical and relevant to public policy. Examples are the outcomes of welfare reform, the distribution of the tax burden, trends in labor markets and the income distribution, work reorganization and worker participation, macroeconomic policy, and the evolution of privatization efforts in state and local governments. Historically specific factors and the role of institutions will be included in the analysis.

ELIGIBILITY AND TERMS OF AWARD

The fellowship is available to advanced graduate students in economics, public policy, industrial relations, or related fields who have completed all requirements toward a doctorate except for the dissertation. It is primarily intended for those who have not yet selected a dissertation topic, but those who have begun their dissertations are also invited to apply. Minorities and women are strongly urged to apply.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must submit:

• Statement from their department describing their current academic standing.
• A three page statement on the applicant's research interests and their relevance to public policy. If applicable, the statement would briefly describe the dissertation, including the research problem or area, research questions, methodologies, sources of data or evidence (e.g., surveys, case studies), and policy implications.
• Two letters of reference from faculty, one of whom must be the applicant's chief academic advisor.
• Curriculum vitae and transcript from the graduate institution.
• A writing sample, preferably a research paper, or equivalent.

APPLICATION DATES

Applications must be postmarked by 4/1/98. Awards will be announced by 4/14/98. The award will cover the period September 1998 through August 1999. Exact start and end dates are flexible.

ARRANGEMENTS

The Fellow will receive $25,000 annual for the twelve months and reside in the Washington, D.C. area. Health benefits are available if the Fellow is not covered by his or her university.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION

People of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

SPONSORSHIP:

The Marcia McGill Fellowship is sponsored by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) in memory of Marcia McGill, an economist employed by SEIU until her untimely death in 1995. SEIU represents 1.1 million members in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. It is the third-largest and fastest growing union in the AFL-CIO whose members work in many industries including health care, public service, and building service. EPI is funded by foundations, trade unions, business organizations, and individuals. Founding scholars of EPI are Barry Bluestone, Jeff Faux, Robert Kuttner, Ray Marshall, Robert Reich, and Lester Thurow.

Send applications to:
Economic Policy Institute
Marcia McGill Fellowship
1660 L Street, N.W.
Suite 1200
Washington, D.C. 20036
202.331.5510
economic@cais.com