The Becker Friedman Institute for Economics (BFI) works with the Chicago Economics community to turn its evidence-based research into real-world impact. BFI takes a unique approach to bridging the divide between academic researchers and decision-makers in the business community and government by translating and packaging the rigorous work of the Chicago Economics community into accessible formats, and proactively sharing those findings with relevant decision-makers and thought leaders around the globe. BFI is a collaborative platform serving the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics, the Harris School of Public Policy, and the Law School.
Please direct questions about any open positions to bfipredoc@uchicago.edu.
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Job Summary
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. DIL, in partnership with BFI, is seeking to hire multiple full-time Research Professionals 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.
Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through less than 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Preferred Qualifications
- Strong undergraduate training in economics and mathematics from a top institution and relevant research experience. Experience gained in school counts towards this qualification.
- Experience working, studying, or spending significant time in developing countries.
Technical Skills of 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.
Preferred Licenses and Certifications
- None
Application Documents
- Resume/CV (required)
- Cover Letter (required)
- Writing Sample (required)
- References Contact Information (3)(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.
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 Bachelor’s degree prior to Summer 2027. 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 of 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), Princeton (Economics), Northwestern (Economics), Northwestern (Kellogg), Harvard (Health Policy), University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) and other excellent programs in the United States and abroad.
Responsibilities and Competencies
- 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
- 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
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in economics, computer science, science, engineering, or related STEM fields from an accredited university.
Experience: Relevant research experience as a research assistant.
Preferred Qualifications
Education
- Master’s degree in economics, public policy, or a related field
Experience
- Previous research assistance experience contributing meaningfully to faculty research.
- Advanced knowledge of research techniques and methods in relevant scientific field.
Preferred Competencies
- Knowledge of R, Python, Stata
- Understanding of academia and higher education in a research and teaching environment.
Application Documents
- Resume/CV
- Cover Letter
- Writing Sample
- Transcripts (unofficial is acceptable)
- Two Professional References
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 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 2026, 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.