Pre-Doctoral Research Opportunities

Job Summary

The Becker Friedman Institute for Economics (BFI) is seeking to hire multiple full-time Research Professionals to work with Professor Evan Rose on ongoing and new research projects related to applied econometrics, labor and public economics. Applicants must have completed a Bachelors degree by June 2026 be available to begin work in July 2026.

Successful candidates will work directly with Professor Evan Rose and co-authors as part of BFI’s Ronzetti Initiative for the Study of Labor Markets and BFI’s Predoctoral Research in Economics Program (PREP). The position entails collaboration on new and ongoing research projects, with specialization in using applied microeconometric techniques to analyze labor markets and social policy in developed economies, including (but not limited to) 1) understanding changes in labor demand (e.g., international competition and trade, regulation and firm dynamics), 2) understanding labor supply (e.g., household labor supply, barriers to geographical and occupational mobility), 3) understanding the determination of the labor market equilibrium, 4) understanding the role of policy and institutions (e.g., the insurance and incentive effects of social insurance and safety net programs, quantifying monopsony power and implications), and 5) understanding interactions between labor markets and the criminal justice system (e.g., effects of economic shocks on crime and recidivism).

The program is intended to serve as a bridge between college and graduate school for students interested in empirical economics. Former Research Professionals have been admitted to PhD programs at the highest ranked economics programs in the US.

Candidates with research experience are strongly preferred, especially those with experience in Stata, R, Julia, Python, and/or Matlab. The ideal candidate would work for BFI for two years before applying to graduate school in Economics or another quantitative social science. BFI offers competitive salary and employee benefits.

Unit-Specific Responsibilities

• Write programs in Stata or other languages to analyze large datasets
• Construct maps, figures, and tables for economics papers
• Identify new data sources
• Conduct background research
• Edit papers
• Other duties as assigned.

Unit-preferred Competencies

• Desired (but not required) skills include advanced familiarity with numerical optimization and package development in R and/or Python, and the ability to use Stata and R to manage and analyze large datasets. Although previous experience with any specific language is not essential, familiarity with at least one scripting language is encouraged.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Excellent organizational skills
• Attention to detail
• Strong academic writing/communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in economics, computer sciences, engineering, or related STEM fields is highly desirable.  Background in economics is a plus, but not necessary — we welcome candidates with strong technical backgrounds and strong analytical skills who are looking for more exposure to economics.

Experience

• Relevant research experience as a research assistant (especially with data).

Technical Skills or Knowledge

• Knowledge of R, Julia and/or Python preferred
• Knowledge of STATA preferred

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• Writing Sample (required)
• Transcripts (unofficial is acceptable) (required)
• Two Professional References (required)

About the Department

The Becker Friedman Institute for Economics aims to foster frontier research and apply those findings to achieve global impact. BFI brings together researchers from the Booth School of Business, the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics, the Harris School of Public Policy, the Law School, and the entire University of Chicago Economics Community to leverage robust data, apply cutting-edge analytical tools, and uncover novel insights on the world’s most difficult economic problems. BFI then bridges the divide between academic researchers and relevant policy makers by translating and packaging rigorous research into accessible formats and proactively sharing those findings with decision-makers and thought leaders in business, government and nonprofit institutions. In this way, BFI has the potential to play a significant role in meeting the most difficult challenges facing the global community.

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination.

The Research Professional for Chicago Experiments collaborates on new and ongoing research projects with a focus on, but not limited to, the implementation and empirical analysis of field experiments and observational/administrative data. Specifically, the Research Professional is involved in advanced empirical work on labor economics, education/human capital, discrimination, behavioral economics, and other topics within applied microeconomics. 

The Research Professional is part of the vibrant research environment at The University of Chicago and may attend and participate in seminars and workshops in preparation for a successful academic career. The program is intended to serve as a bridge between college and graduate school for students interested in empirical economics. Applicants must have strong quantitative and programming skills. Candidates with research experience are strongly preferred, especially those with experience in Stata, R, Python or Matlab. The ideal candidate would work for BFI for one or two years before applying to graduate school in Economics or another quantitative social science. BFI offers competitive salary and employee benefits. 

Past Research Professionals have received admission offers from top PhD programs including Columbia, Maryland, NYU, Stanford, UC Berkeley, University of Chicago, University of Michigan, UPenn, Yale, among others.

Applications will be reviewed from October on a rolling basis. Only successful candidates will be contacted for a data task. 

Unit-Specific Responsibilities: 

• Collects, cleans, manipulates, and analyzes experimental datasets 
• Contributes to writing, proofreading, and fact-checking papers and presentations 
• Implements experiments, conducts data analysis, and modifies existing codes to provide robustness of test results 
• Ensures compliance with institutional, state and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.  

Unit-preferred Competencies

• Analytical skills required.  
• Attention to detail required.  
• Verbal and written communication skills required.  
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team required. 

Required Qualifications:

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in economics, computer sciences, engineering, or related STEM fields is highly desirable.

Experience

• Relevant research experience as a research assistant.

Technical Knowledge/Skills

• • Knowledge of R and/or Python preferred
  • Knowledge of STATA preferred

Required Documents: 

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• Most advanced writing sample in economics (if available)
• Transcripts (unofficial is acceptable) (required)
• Two Professional References (required) 

About the Department  

The Becker Friedman Institute for Economics aims to foster frontier research and apply those findings to achieve global impact. BFI brings together researchers from the Booth School of Business, the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics, the Harris School of Public Policy, the Law School, and the entire University of Chicago Economics Community to leverage robust data, apply cutting-edge analytical tools, and uncover novel insights on the world’s most difficult economic problems. BFI then bridges the divide between academic researchers and relevant policy makers by translating and packaging rigorous research into accessible formats and proactively sharing those findings with decision-makers and thought leaders in business, government and nonprofit institutions. In this way, BFI has the potential to play a significant role in meeting the most difficult challenges facing the global community. 

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination. 

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form. 

About the Department

Inspired by our namesakes, Nobel Laureates Gary Becker and Milton Friedman, who believed that economic research could help improve the world, the Becker Friedman Institute for Economics (BFI) aims to foster frontier research and apply those findings to achieve global impact. Rooted in core values of service, rigor, and innovation, BFI brings together researchers from the Booth School of Business, the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics, the Harris School of Public Policy, the Law School, and the entire University of Chicago Economics Community to leverage robust data, apply cutting-edge analytical tools, and uncover novel insights on the world’s most difficult economic problems. BFI then bridges the divide between academic researchers and relevant policy makers by translating and packaging rigorous research into accessible formats and proactively sharing those findings with decision-makers and thought leaders in business, government, and nonprofit institutions. In this way, BFI plays a significant role in addressing the most difficult challenges facing the global community.

Job Summary

The Senior Director of Global Communications is a key member of the Becker Friedman Institute for Economics (BFI) executive leadership team, reporting to the Executive Director. This role manages a team or multiple teams of managers and professional staff responsible for planning, preparing and disseminating information designed to keep the public informed of the University’s perspectives, programs, and accomplishments. Develops and plans marketing, press relations, creative editorial and design services, and internal communications. In coordination with BFI leadership and supported by a highly talented staff, the Senior Director is responsible for both internal and external communications, including:

• Communicating Chicago Economics research insights to key external stakeholders, including the media, decision-makers and thought leaders in business, government, and nonprofit institutions.
• Communicating BFI programming, resources, and other news with the University of Chicago leadership, academic community, and alumni.
• Advancing BFI’s national and global visibility, reputation, and prestige with external audiences in support of the Institute’s strategic initiatives and priorities.
• Developing an outreach program to engage leaders and partners around the world who can benefit from the Institute’s research discoveries and intellectual capital.
• Making faculty research accessible to external audiences using various communication vehicles, such as events, direct engagement, and legacy, digital and social media.

Responsibilities

• Strategy/Vision – works as part of the BFI leadership team on overall strategy, goals, and vision for the institute.
• Research Translation/Producing Outreach Materials – with the support of BFI’s Senior Economic Writer, works with UChicago scholars to create policy-relevant and accessible summary documents to accompany research, such as policy briefs, op-eds, blogs, testimony, speeches, video clips and podcasts, etc. This involves developing relationships and working closely with University of Chicago economists to understand their research and to identify the most effective and appropriate ways to communicate their research.
• Research Dissemination/Media Outreach – leads strategic outreach to media regarding BFI research and, as appropriate, other UChicago economics research. This includes the development and cultivation of media relationships, particularly among national economic reporters, as well as maintaining and growing BFI’s working paper series. Also serves as primary liaison to communications staff throughout UChicago to coordinate BFI’s work with other relevant offices.
• External Stakeholder and Policy Outreach – in coordination with BFI leadership and external advisers, creates and builds opportunities for BFI to routinely engage with US and global economic policymakers and policy-relevant institutions. This will include, but not be limited to: direct policy engagement which includes Capitol Hill and Administration visits, round-tables with media outlets, Capitol Hill briefings and/or other public events; NGOs; the private sector; and new opportunities for internships in economic policy for UChicago students.
• Communications – with the support of communications staff, manages/leverages all BFI communications and communications assets for both internal and external audiences, including BFI websites, social media, newsletters, programming announcements (events, awards, etc.) and more. This includes oversight of the BFI editorial calendar and quality control over all BFI content.
• Events – in coordination with BFI’s Executive Director and with the support of the events team, leads execution of BFI events, both internal (research conferences) and external (high-profile public events on policy-relevant topics). Working with the BFI communications staff, oversees event marketing such as event pages on website, event announcements, call for papers, etc.
• Management – directly leads three distinct teams: Communications, Events, and Digital Media – each led by a dedicated manager. Provides strategic oversight for professionals across web/social media, communications, design, and event planning. Engages with and directs multiple external consultants and advisers as needed. Manages the budgets for all three teams, partnering with the Finance team on invoicing, expense tracking, and forecasting.
• Implements innovative strategies in managing media interface, including publications, planning and organizing media coverage for major events, and responding to requests on sensitive or controversial issues. Proactively engages in ‘news of the day’ to frame and distribute important announcements and updates.
• Oversees the writing, preparation, and/or delivery of information from or about the unit. Is accountable for maintaining the unit’s goals and communications strategy in publications, announcements, and speeches.
• Develops and manages the communications budget.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:
—

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, marketing, economics, English or a related field.
• Graduate degree.

Experience:

• 10-15 years working in an economic research/policy communications environment in a leadership role.
• Significant management experience.
• Demonstrated experience working directly with academic researchers.
• Background with common web/communications tools and software platforms.

Preferred Competencies

• Demonstrated ability to influence a diverse group of people to meet goals and deadlines, build and manage teams, and work collaboratively with senior leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to develop relationships with multiple stakeholders.
• Capability to understand complex research and identify the best way to communicate said research to a variety of different audiences.
• Comfort and experience working with members of the media.
  Handle multiple tasks and assignments simultaneously.
• Handle multiple tasks and assignments simultaneously.
• Creativity and think outside-the-box.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Work independently with a high degree of initiative.
• Work as a member of a team.
• Attention to detail with excellent organizational skills.
• Set priorities and meet deadlines.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Summary

The Becker Friedman Institute for Economics (BFI) is seeking to hire a full-time Research Professional to work with BFI Health Initiative Faculty on ongoing and new research projects related to research in the economics of health. This includes developing new ideas, identifying and cleaning data sources, preparing and conducting analyses, and shaping the results for presentation and publication. Applicants must have completed a Bachelors degree prior to starting this role.

Successful candidates will work directly with BFI Health Initiative Faculty and co-authors as part of BFI’s Predoctoral Research in Economics Program (PREP). The program is intended to serve as a bridge between college and graduate school for students interested in empirical economics. The Research Professional’s responsibilities will span all stages of research, including collecting data in both tabular and spatial formats, developing algorithms that clean and organize data, conducting statistical analyses, running simulations, and preparing manuscripts and presentations.

Past Research Professionals in this position have been admitted to graduate school at Princeton, University of Chicago (Economics), Northwestern (Economics), Northwestern (Kellogg), Harvard (Health Policy), University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) and other excellent programs in the United States and abroad.

Unit-Specific Responsibilities

• Write programs in Stata, R, and/or Python to analyze large datasets
• Construct maps, figures, and tables for economics papers
• Identify new data sources
• Editing tasks
• Other duties as assigned

Unit-preferred Competencies

• Desired (but not required) skills include advanced familiarity with programming, and the ability to manage and analyze large datasets. Although previous experience with any specific language is not essential, familiarity with at least one scripting language is encouraged.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Excellent organizational skills
• Attention to detail
• Strong academic writing/communication skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Preferred Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in economics, computer science, science, engineering, or related STEM fields is highly desirable.

Experience

• Relevant research experience as a research assistant.

Technical Skills or Knowledge

• Knowledge of R, Python, Stata preferred

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• Writing Sample (required)
• Transcripts (unofficial is acceptable) (required)
• Two Professional References (required)

About the Department

The Becker Friedman Institute for Economics aims to foster frontier research and apply those findings to achieve global impact. BFI brings together researchers from the Booth School of Business, the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics, the Harris School of Public Policy, the Law School, and the entire University of Chicago Economics Community to leverage robust data, apply cutting-edge analytical tools, and uncover novel insights on the world’s most difficult economic problems. BFI then bridges the divide between academic researchers and relevant policy makers by translating and packaging rigorous research into accessible formats and proactively sharing those findings with decision-makers and thought leaders in business, government and nonprofit institutions. In this way, BFI has the potential to play a significant role in meeting the most difficult challenges facing the global community.

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job Summary

The Becker Friedman Institute for Economics (BFI) is seeking to hire a full-time Research Professional to work with Professor Alex Torgovitsky on ongoing and new research projects related to theoretical and applied econometrics with a focus on causal inference. Applicants must have completed a Bachelors degree by June 2026 and available to begin work in Summer 2026. The Research Professional’s responsibilities will span all stages of research, including collecting data in both tabular and spatial formats, developing algorithms that clean and organize data, conducting statistical analyses, running simulations, and preparing manuscripts and presentations.

The program is intended to serve as a bridge between college and graduate school for students interested in empirical economics. Applicants must have strong quantitative and programming skills. Candidates with research experience are strongly preferred, especially those with experience in Stata, R, Python or Matlab. The ideal candidate would work for BFI for one or two years before applying to graduate school in economics or another quantitative social science. BFI offers competitive salary and employee benefits.

Unit-Specific Responsibilities

• Implement new and existing statistical procedures in R, Python, and/or Julia
• Conduct literature reviews and identify new data sources
• Analyze data
• Editing tasks
• Other duties as assigned

Unit-preferred Competencies

• Prior coursework in math, statistics and econometrics required
• Attention to detail is highly valued
• Advanced familiarity with R, Python, or Julia is ideal. Although previous experience with any specific language is not essential, familiarity with at least one language is encouraged.
• Ability to work independently
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills
• Strong academic writing and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in economics, computer sciences, engineering, or related STEM fields is highly desirable.

Experience

• Relevant research experience as a research assistant.

Technical Skills or Knowledge

• Knowledge of R, Python and/or Julia, preferred
• Knowledge of LaTeX

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• Writing Sample (required)
• Transcripts (unofficial is acceptable) (required)
• Two Professional References (required)

About the Department

The Becker Friedman Institute for Economics aims to foster frontier research and apply those findings to achieve global impact. BFI brings together researchers from the Booth School of Business, the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics, the Harris School of Public Policy, the Law School, and the entire University of Chicago Economics Community to leverage robust data, apply cutting-edge analytical tools, and uncover novel insights on the world’s most difficult economic problems. BFI then bridges the divide between academic researchers and relevant policy makers by translating and packaging rigorous research into accessible formats and proactively sharing those findings with decision-makers and thought leaders in business, government and nonprofit institutions. In this way, BFI has the potential to play a significant role in meeting the most difficult challenges facing the global community.

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job Summary

The Macro Finance Research (MFR) Program under the auspices of the Becker Friedman Institute is seeking a highly skilled and independently motivated early career scholar for the Macro Finance Research Program (MFR) led by Professor Lars Peter Hansen. This full-time Research Professional will work on ongoing and new research projects at the Macro Finance Program. Applicants must have completed a Bachelors degree by June 2026. The Research Professional’s responsibilities will span all stages of research, including collecting data in both tabular and spatial formats, developing algorithms that clean and organize data, conducting statistical analyses, running simulations, and preparing manuscripts and presentations.

The program is intended to serve as a bridge between college and graduate school for students interested in empirical economics. The ideal candidate would work for BFI for one or two years before applying to graduate school in economics or another quantitative social science. BFI offers competitive salary and employee benefits.

Unit-Specific Responsibilities

The research professional will be expected to:

• Conduct independent problem-solving with high-level directional advice.
• Be fully informed on the latest developments in the relevant research areas.
• Assist Professor Hansen to identify, assess and organize information for research from academic institutions worldwide and other organizations addressing similar research goals.
• Collaborate with the MFR research team to create and strengthen a digital platform accessible to the community of researchers whose aim is to strengthen dynamic models in macroeconomics and finance.
• Present findings effectively and articulately at internal staff meetings and seminars/conferences.
• Contribute essential technical content relevant to grant proposals and reports in support of the initiative.

The candidate will be required to independently identify and interpret research data, develop conclusions, and communicate findings through effective oral and written communication on a bi-weekly basis.

The ideal candidate will have strong computer programming and quantitative skills, experience with a statistical programming language such as MATLAB, JULIA, Stata, or R, and familiarity with lower-level programming languages such as C, C++, or Python with interest in coding and a willingness to learn new programs and methods of analysis.

Additional Responsibilities

• Collects and cleans data.
• Analyzes data, using reduced form and structural methods.
• Prepares tables and figures for papers and presentations.
• Writes, proofreads, and fact checks papers, reports, and presentations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Unit-preferred Competencies

• Strong written and verbal communication skills required.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail required.
• Excellent data visualization ability preferred.
• Ability to work both independently and as a team member required.

Preferred Qualifications

Education

• A bachelor’s degree or above in applied mathematics and computation, statistics, economics or a closely connected field

Experience

• Relevant research experience, especially with data, preferred.
• Basic knowledge of economic dynamics, preferred.

Technical Skills or Knowledge

• Knowledge of Python, MATLAB, Stata, JULIA and/or R required.
• Knowledge of LaTeX preferred.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required, include earliest available start date)
• Writing Sample (required)
• Transcripts (unofficial is acceptable) (required)
• Two Professional References (required)

About the Department

The Becker Friedman Institute for Economics aims to foster frontier research and apply those findings to achieve global impact. BFI brings together researchers from the Booth School of Business, the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics, the Harris School of Public Policy, the Law School, and the entire University of Chicago Economics Community to leverage robust data, apply cutting-edge analytical tools, and uncover novel insights on the world’s most difficult economic problems. BFI then bridges the divide between academic researchers and relevant policy makers by translating and packaging rigorous research into accessible formats and proactively sharing those findings with decision-makers and thought leaders in business, government and nonprofit institutions. In this way, BFI has the potential to play a significant role in meeting the most difficult challenges facing the global community.

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination.

The Chicago Federal Statistical Research Data Center (FSRDC) anticipates hiring a Research Administrator for their branch lab located on the University of Chicago campus. The Chicago FSRDC UChicago branch provides qualified researchers, with approved projects, the opportunity to perform statistical analyses using confidential/restricted-use microdata from the U.S. Census Bureau and other Federal Agencies. The Administrator responsibilities include (though not limited to):

• Working with researchers on proposal development and project management,
• Ensuring that proposals and projects are properly documented in management and tracking systems,
• Implementing Census Bureau’s policies and procedures concerning data stewardship,
• Participating in network-wide activities that advance the growth and development of the overall FSRDC program,
• Maintaining an active research agenda, and
• Overseeing the day-to-day operations of the FSRDC UChicago branch lab.

The Chicago FSRDC UChicago branch lab is located on the campus of the University of Chicago in Saieh Hall for Economics under the oversight of the Becker Friedman Institute for Economics, which is a rigorous academic/research environment. The position is expected to start fall 2025, with some flexibility and subject to Federal hiring processes. Due to the Federal hiring process, only U.S. Citizens are eligible for this role.

Qualified candidates should have a graduate degree (Masters or Ph.D.) in an empirical (data-driven) social science discipline such as economics, sociology, demography, or applied statistics. Strong writing, communication, and organization skills are a must. Candidates must also demonstrate the ability to coordinate and manage multiple projects, tasks, and deadlines.

The Chicago FSRDC UChicago branch is currently conducting preliminary recruiting for the position. Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume/C.V., at least three professional references, and a sample of professional writing. Candidates will also be required to undergo the formal Federal hiring process, as well as pass security clearance checks. The selected candidate will become an employee of the U.S. Census Bureau, which manages the FSRDC program.

More information about the FSRDC program is available here.

Questions regarding this position can be sent to bfiresearchsupport@uchicago.edu. 

We are seeking candidates available to begin as soon as possible in Academic Year 2026 (AY26).

For Academic Year 2027 (AY27), we have two potential start dates, depending on candidate availability:

• January 1, 2026
• July 1, 2026

Please specify your preferred start date and availability in your application.

The Development Innovation Lab at the University of Chicago, led by professor Michael Kremer, invites applicants for a prestigious predoctoral fellowship with substantive interests in development economics.

About the Lab

The Development Innovation Lab at the University of Chicago uses the tools of economics to develop innovations with the potential to benefit millions of people in low- and middle-income countries. It was founded and is led by Nobel laureate Michael Kremer.

Job Summary

DIL is seeking to hire a full-time Research Professional to work with Professor Michael Kremer, Nobel Laureate, and possibly other faculty as part of the Development Innovation Lab. Successful applicants will collaborate on new and ongoing research in development economics.

The Research Professional’s responsibilities will span all stages of research, including collecting data in both tabular and spatial formats, developing algorithms that clean and organize data, conducting statistical analyses, running simulations, and preparing manuscripts and presentations.

Responsibilities

• Under limited direction, performs complex lab and/or research-related duties and tasks. (15%)
• Supports data collection. Develops data collection instruments, trains and oversees the work of research support personnel, and monitors data quality. (15%)
• Supports analytical needs of research projects. Collects, records, and analyzes data. Builds, manages, and maintains project databases. (15%)
• Conducts literature reviews and helps write reports, manuscripts, and other documents. (10%)
• Supports the design and implementation of experiments, interacting with research subjects and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigator. (15%)
• Ensures project compliance with different policies, procedures, directives, and mandates. (10%)
• Presents research findings at staff meetings, seminars, and scientific conferences. (5%)
• Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project. (10%)
• Performs other related work as needed. (5%)

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.

Work Experience:

Minimum of one year of work experience in a related job discipline. Experience gained through coursework may be counted as relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong undergraduate training in economics and mathematics from a top institution relevant research experience. Experience gained in school counts towards this
• Experience working, studying, or spending significant time in developing countries.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Knowledge of mathematics and statistics as indicated by coursework and GRE scores (if taken). We have a strong preference for candidates with quantitative GRE scores above 167).
• Knowledge of research techniques and methods used in impact evaluations, particularly, randomized controlled trials.

 Preferred Competencies

• Advanced coursework in Economics or Mathematics.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
• Work both independently and as a team member.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

Working Conditions

• Perform tasks mostly indoors in an office setting.
• Work independently for periods of eight (8) hours or more.
• Spend extended periods traveling for field work.
• Candidates must be willing to travel extensively and flexibly as needed for their respective responsibilities.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• Professional References Contact Information (3)(required)

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination.