Research Associate - Artificial Intelligence and Judicial State Capacity

This project aims to tackle India's overwhelming judicial backlog—currently over 50 million cases—by introducing and evaluating artificial intelligence tools in courtrooms across a major Indian state. Tools such as transcription, translation, OCR scanning, and digital case flow management are being introduced to assist judges and court staff in managing case proceedings more efficiently. Through a large-scale randomized controlled trial (RCT), the project will generate rigorous evidence on whether these technologies can lead to faster case resolution, reduce administrative burdens, and improve judicial quality and access to justice. We are seeking two highly motivated Research Associates to support the implementation of a large-scale field study evaluating the use of AI tools in courtrooms. The RAs will play a central role in coordinating with local stakeholders—including judges, court staff, and implementation partners—managing on-ground operations, and ensuring smooth data collection, monitoring and analysis. This role offers an exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of law, technology, governance, and public policy in India, combining field engagement, data-driven research, and policy-relevant insights. The Research Associates will be based in Odisha and will play a central role in the successful execution of the study on the ground. They will work closely with the Research Manager, the Principal Investigators (PIs) and their Research Assistants to ensure smooth implementation and high-quality research outcomes.

The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) is a global research center working to reduce poverty by ensuring that policy is informed by scientific evidence. Anchored by a network of 194 affiliated professors at universities around the world, J-PAL conducts randomized impact evaluations to answer critical questions in the fight against poverty. J-PAL South Asia, based at the Institute for Financial Management and Research in India, leads J-PAL's work in the South Asia region. J-PAL South Asia conducts randomized evaluations, builds partnerships for evidence-informed policymaking, and helps partners scale up effective programs. Over more than ten years of existence, J-PAL South Asia has conducted 193 ongoing and completed randomized evaluations.