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Application for the Research Assistant Position at the International Tax Observatory

Organization: Paris School of Economics – International Tax Observatory
Education: Master’s degree
Contract: One year (extendable)
Salary: €2,500 gross per month (for Paris-based positions, the Norway position will be discussed upon offer)
Location: 48 Boulevard Jourdan, Paris 14e
Start date: September 2026
Language: English

Environment

The Paris School of Economics (PSE) is a private, not-for-profit research foundation. PSE conducts economic research of the highest international standard and brings together a community of 140 researchers and around 200 doctoral students. It unites universities and business schools with the aim of fostering exchanges between economics and other social sciences, disseminating its work to a wide audience, and developing partnerships with public institutions and private organizations.

The International Tax Observatory (ITO) is dedicated to conducting, promoting, and disseminating innovative, high-quality, and impactful research on global taxation. It is directed by Professor Gabriel Zucman and hosted at the PSE. The Observatory is one of the leading institutions for the study of taxation in the European Union, with a focus on corporate tax avoidance and tax evasion. It serves as a platform for civil society engagement, enjoys a strong reputation across the EU, acts as a source of new ideas to combat tax avoidance and evasion, and is an international reference for the study of taxation in a globalized world.

ITO’s work is organized into six distinct research programs:

Position

Main Track: We are recruiting several research assistants to participate in the Observatory’s scientific activities for the academic year 2026–2027. The scope of work will include:

- Conducting research on taxation and performing data cleaning and analysis

- Coding simulations and econometric applications

- Contributing to the drafting of economic science publications and reports

- Participating in and assisting with Observatory events

Successful candidates will be allocated to one or more of the six research programs based on needs and fit. If there is a research area in which candidates have a particular interest or background, please indicate this in your cover letter.

In addition to the main recruitment, we are seeking two candidates: one to work on tax administration projects focused on West Africa, and the other on Illicit Financial Flows from our sister organization in Norway. These positions are described in detail below. If you are also interested in being considered for either of these tracks, please indicate this below (this will not exclude you from the main recruitment).

Norway Illicit Financial Flows Track: The Illicit Financial Flows and Real Estate program is seeking one candidate to work at our sister organization, Skatteforsk – the Norwegian Centre for Tax Research, based outside Oslo at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU). If you are interested, please indicate this in the submission form. The salary for this position will be communicated at a later date.
West Africa Track: The Tax Evasion and Enforcement program is seeking one candidate to work on several projects involving the tax authorities of Senegal and Benin. The successful candidate will be expected to spend time working in both countries (5-6 months out of the year) and should be fluent in French.

Requirements

Master’s degree in economics (to be completed by September 2026) or in another relevant field. You should have an excellent command of English (the working language) and strong data analysis and econometrics skills. Previous experience in coding will be considered an advantage. Knowledge of taxation or related issues is desirable but not mandatory. Your willingness and ability to work in an international environment will be highly valued.

Please apply below by April 3 with:

- Your CV

- A cover letter

- References (optional but recommended)

First name

Last name

Contact email address

Current institution/affiliation

Please describe your current level of coding experience

Briefly describe how your previous experience in data analysis and econometrics fits the role

As of September 2026, I expect to have a master's degree in economics or another relevant field

As of September 2026, I expect to have a master's degree in economics or another relevant field
A
B

I am also interested in the position based at Skatteforsk – Norwegian Centre for Tax Research - in Norway, working with the Illicit Financial Flows program

I am also interested in the position based at Skatteforsk – Norwegian Centre for Tax Research - in Norway, working with the Illicit Financial Flows program
A
B

I am also interested in the position focused on tax administration and West Africa (requirement: French fluency)

I am also interested in the position focused on tax administration and West Africa (requirement: French fluency)
A
B

Please upload your CV

Please upload your cover letter

Letter of recommendation 1 (optional)

Letter of recommendation 2 (optional)