Center for Global Development Opens Fellow and Senior Fellow Position in Market Shaping and Innovation Policy – Apply By 1 November 2026

Overview

The Center for Global Development (CGD) is recruiting a Fellow or Senior Fellow for its Market Shaping Accelerator (MSA) in Washington, DC. The role is full-time, and the level depends on the candidate's qualifications. The MSA develops advance market commitments and other market-shaping mechanisms that encourage innovation where commercial returns do not reflect wider social benefits, in areas including global health, pandemic preparedness, climate change, AI safety and risk, and drug repurposing. The work combines economic research, policy analysis and engagement with policymakers and funders.

What you get

Pay is $130,000 to $150,000 per year for a Fellow and $170,000 to $190,000 for a Senior Fellow, depending on education, skills and experience. The arrangement is hybrid, with at least three days a week in the office, and candidates must be able to declare a primary residence in Washington, DC, Maryland or Virginia. CGD will sponsor US work authorization, subject to the visa process.

The post holder designs and leads a research agenda using economic modelling and quantitative analysis, develops and evaluates pull mechanisms such as advance market commitments, prizes and milestone payments, produces recommendations for policymakers and funders, supports fundraising, represents the MSA through talks, blogs and convenings, publishes papers and policy briefs, supports other CGD programmes, and mentors research assistants and associate staff.

Requirements

A Fellow needs a PhD in economics, completed or expected before the start date, with expertise in areas such as economic theory, industrial organization, market design or innovation economics, strong microeconomic theory, modelling and quantitative skills, and good communication and organisation. A Senior Fellow also needs at least five years of relevant experience beyond the PhD, a distinguished body of work in market shaping or innovation policy, strong ties across research, policy and funding communities, a record of securing external funding, experience managing complex projects and mentoring junior colleagues.

How to apply

Applicants submit a CV, a cover letter stating the level sought and their interest and experience, and a writing sample such as a research paper. An optional policy-facing piece of 500 to 1,000 words may be added. CGD states that applications are reviewed manually without AI or automated filters.

Key dates

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with review deadlines of 1 November 2026 and 1 February 2027. The position closes on 1 March 2027 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.