Search
START TYPING AND PRESS ENTER TO SEARCH

Young Researchers’ Fellowship Program

Program Overview

BIGD Young Researchers’ Fellowship (YRF) Program is a tailored training program for budding social science researchers, featuring experiential learning on research methodology and other crucial research skills. The four-month long fellowship program has three key components: a) training on applied research methods, b) hands-on experience with different components of social science research, and c) mentoring from senior researchers on social science research.

The fellowship admits cohorts of researchers around specific thematic areas at different times. The most recent cohort focuses on governance and politics.

We are looking for people who are passionate about research, hungry to learn and improve, and have the ambition to excel and build an impactful knowledge institute.

Key Learning Opportunities for Trainee Research Associates (TRAs)

Successful applicants will be chosen as a TRA and are expected to complete the four-month training program. TRAs will be able to:

  • Learn about study design, instrument development, quality assurance, and monitoring of all aspects of fieldwork
  • Get hands-on experience in writing reports/articles from analysis
  • Learn other research-related management skills
  • Be able to pursue a research career using the skills acquired from the program

Apart from being grounded in a rich assortment of theories, approaches, and ideas, the fellowship is also intended to be pedagogically diverse. As a TRA, you will learn in the classroom and from the field, immersing yourself in previous and ongoing social science research.

At the end of the training program, successful TRAs may be considered for a full-time position as a Research Associate in BIGD.

Eligibility Criteria

  1. Only Bangladeshi nationals are eligible to apply to the program
  2. At least a bachelor’s degree from a reputed national or international university
  3. A minimum CGPA of 3.00 (on a scale of 4) or equivalent in at least one university-level degree
  4. Age no more than 30 years
  5. Should have a background in Economics, Development Studies, Public Policy, Computer Science, Data Science, or other related fields
  6. In addition to a concentration in the social sciences, applicants with an educational or work background in data analytics, machine learning, or computational methods for social science research are encouraged to apply
  7. Strong interest in developing skills in relevant research tools
  8. Strong analytical and critical thinking aptitude
  9. Active interest in national and global current affairs, economics, and politics
  10. Must be committed to adhering to academic integrity
  11. Must be respectful towards others

Preferred Qualifications

  • Good communication skills (verbal and written)
  • Good interpersonal skills.
  • Prior research experience would be welcome

Location

Dhaka, Bangladesh. However, field visits will be required. Openness to travel and live in modest (but safe) conditions will be required.

Honorarium

All selected participants will receive a monthly honorarium.

An iteration of the YRF program, the Governance and Politics Research Fellowship (GPRF) program is designed to build strong conceptual foundations in governance, political science, and public policy, while equipping fellows with practical research skills required for high-quality qualitative research.

Learn more about the GPRF program.

As of 31 March 2026, applications for the GPRF program are closed.

Applications

The YRF program is centred around a different theme each year. This year, BIGD created the Governance and Politics Research Fellowship (GPRF) program to build strong conceptual foundations in governance, political science, and public policy, while equipping fellows with practical research skills required for high-quality qualitative research.

Learn more about the GPRF program.

As of 31 March 2026, applications for the GPRF program are closed.

Up