Open Call: Young Researchers’ Fellowship Program (Bangladesh)
Section
The Young Researchers’ Fellowship Program at the BRAC Institute of Governance and Development provides tailored training and mentorship to budding social science researchers through experiential learning in research methodology and methodological skills.
Focus: Training on applied research methods, hands-on experience with different components of social science research, mentoring from senior researchers on social science research. The four-month long fellowship program has three key components: Training on applied research methods, Hands-on experience with different components of social science research, and Mentoring from senior researchers on social science research.
The four-month fellowship is offered in two distinct streams—Qualitative and Quantitative—with applicants choosing one, as applying to both makes the application ineligible. Selected participants serve as Trainee Research Associates (TRAs), engaging in full-time immersive learning that includes classroom instruction and field experiences. Upon successful completion, each TRA receives a certificate, and some of the most suitable participants may be offered full-time positions as Research Associates at BIGD. They may also request letters of recommendation from trainers and mentors to support further professional pursuits or academic study.
Eligibility is limited to Bangladeshi nationals who hold a bachelor’s degree from a reputable university, have attained a minimum CGPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale (or equivalent), and are no older than 30 years. Candidates must demonstrate a strong interest in research methods, possess analytical and critical thinking skills, be attuned to national and global issues in economics and politics, and commit to academic integrity and respectful conduct. Additional assets include effective written and verbal communication, interpersonal skills, and any prior research experience. The fellowship takes place in Dhaka and may require participants to travel for fieldwork; willingness to travel and live modestly—and safely—is expected. All selected fellows receive a monthly honorarium during the program.
Participants acquire skills in study design, instrument development, quality assurance, fieldwork monitoring, report and article writing from analysis, and broader research management capabilities. The program’s pedagogical design emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical applications, blending immersion in past and ongoing social science research with mentorship from senior experts.
