Pre-Doctoral Research Opportunities

The Becker Friedman Institute for Economics (BFI) is seeking to hire a full-time Research Professional to work with Professor Christopher Campos as part of BFI’s Socioeconomic Inequalities Initiative and BFI’s Predoctoral Research in Economics Program (PREP). Successful applicants will collaborate on new and ongoing research in econometric theory.  The position will likely involve programming novel statistical procedures and conducting simulation experiments, as well as reading, understanding and summarizing current methodological papers in economics and statistics.   

The Research Professional will report to an BFI-affiliated faculty member at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics, the Harris School of Public Policy, or the University of Chicago Law School. 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.

Responsibilities

• Cleans and analyzes data.
• Writes or finalizes replicable data files or scripts for publication.
• Ensures compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives, and mandates. Analyzes possible solutions using standard procedures.
• Assists with writing data analysis plans and contributes to preparing study registration documents.
• Supports the implementation of field experiments including supporting the design and implementation of surveys, and monitoring the quality of data collected, when needed.
• Supports with writing of grant and policy reports and assists with drafting presentations of research findings.
• Takes responsibility for the following non-laboratory duties: transcribing and coding data; developing data collection instruments; presenting research; and recruiting and scheduling research subjects. Acquires higher-level skills and knowledge in the process.
• Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project.
• Analyzes and maintains data and/or specimens. Conducts literature reviews. Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.

Experience: 3 months to one year of work experience in a related job discipline. Experience gained through coursework may be counted as relevant experience.

• Experience in econometrics.
• Advanced coursework in Economics or Mathematics.
• Familiarity in analyzing large data sets, applying econometrics methods.
• Knowledge of machine learning techniques in data analysis.
• Familiarity with statistical analysis packages such as Stata, R, or Python.
• 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 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 Licenses and Certifications
N/A

Preferred Competencies

• Understanding of academia and higher education in a research and teaching environment.

Application Documents

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

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Transcripts (unofficial accepted)
• Two professional references

About the Department

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. The Predoctoral Research in Economics Program (PREP) is intended to serve as a bridge between college and graduate school for students interested in empirical economics. The program offers unique research and professional training opportunities at the University of Chicago. For more information visit https://bfi.uchicago.edu and https://bfi.uchicago.edu/info-for/prep/.

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. For more information visit bfi.uchicago.edu.

The Becker Friedman Institute for Economics at UChicago (BFI) is looking for a Multimedia Coordinator to join our Communications and Events team and contribute to communications and outreach materials. The Multimedia Coordinator will work under the supervision of the Senior Multimedia Specialist and Marketing and Digital Media Coordinator and collaborate with members of the Communications and Events team. This is a challenging entry-level position with growth potential.

Job Summary

The Multimedia Coordinator performs routine assignments related to planning, preparing and disseminating information through the internet, social media or other digital channels designed to keep the public informed of the University’s perspectives, programs, and accomplishments. Work is performed with a moderate to high level of guidance, and typically includes marketing, press relations, creative editorial and design services, and internal communications. This role provides professional support and creates assets for a range of multimedia and marketing projects. Works within defined processes and procedures to develop communications materials. Completes a variety of assignments, as needed.

Responsibilities

• Works on video and audio projects to support BFI’s growing multimedia efforts, including recording/editing video for events and recording audio and video for podcasts.
• Takes photographs of conferences, seminars, and other events. Takes headshots of professional staff as needed.
• Assists in producing design materials for print (brochures, research summaries, event materials) and web (web pages and social graphics, email newsletter materials).
• Develops and distributes event-related email campaigns using Mailchimp, ensuring accuracy and coordination with the events team.
• Provides professional support and performs routine assignments related to design projects.
• Collaborates with members of the BFI communications and events team to develop and coordinate project requirements and concepts.
• Uses various techniques and templates from the BFI design system to produce print and digital materials.
• Incorporates feedback to improve work and revises to approval.
• Accomplishes assigned duties through two or more of the following: written communications; visual/graphic media, which may include Web site development and maintenance; speeches and personal contact. The incumbent is still acquiring higher-level knowledge and skills.
• Solves a range of straightforward problems. Maintains existing digital and social media accounts (including routine website maintenance). May identify new and emerging social media outlets for communicating to specific audiences.
• Performs other related work as needed.

The Becker Friedman Institute (BFI) is seeking a Research Professional (RP) to work on new and ongoing research projects in and related to international finance, macro, and spatial economics. The Research Professional will primarily work under the guidance of Professors Brent Neiman, Rohan Kekre, and Milena Almagro. The research professional will be responsible for the construction of new datasets, reviewing relevant literature, estimation and data analysis, and the revision, extension, and description of results.

The program is intended to serve as a bridge between college and graduate school for students. Applicants must have completed a Bachelors degree by June 2025 and have strong quantitative and programming skills. Candidates with research experience are strongly preferred, especially those with experience in Stata, R, Git, Python, and/or Matlab. The ideal candidate would begin on July 1, 2025 and 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.

Responsibilities

• Cleans and analyzes data.
• Writes or finalizes replicable data files or scripts for publication.
• Assists with writing data analysis plans and contributes to preparing study registration documents.
• Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project.
• Analyzes and maintains data. Conducts literature reviews. Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.
• Performs other related work as needed.

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

Education:

• Master’s degree in economics, public policy, or a related field.

Experience:

• Experience in with statistics and econometrics.
• Working as a research assistant.

Analyzing large data sets, applying econometrics methods or machine learning techniques.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Knowledge of Stata, Python, Matlab, Julia, or R required
• Knowledge of Git and LaTeX helpful 

Preferred Competencies

• Advanced knowledge of research technique and methods in relevant scientific field.
• 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.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter (include earliest available start date)
• Writing Sample (optional)
• Transcript (unofficial is ok)
• Professional References (three is preferred, two are required)

The University of Chicago provides equal employment opportunities to all employees, applicants, and job seekers. No person shall be discriminated against in employment or harassed because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, marital status, parental status, ancestry, source of income, or other classes protected by law. This policy includes the commitment to maintaining a work environment free from unlawful harassment.

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. 

The Becker Friedman Institute for Economics (BFI) is seeking to hire a full-time Research Professional to work for Professor Christopher Blattman as part of BFI’s Development Economics Initiative. The Research Professional will collaborate on new and ongoing research projects with a focus on, but not limited to, the empirical analysis of field and quasi-experiments. More specifically, the Research Professional will be involved in advanced empirical and theoretical work on violence prevention, on the economics organized crime, as well as other topics on the intersection of development economics and political economy. 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. This position requires a commitment of at least one year and applicants must be available to begin work as early as April 2025 or no later than July 2025.

BFI’s Predoctoral Research in Economics Program (PREP) is intended to serve as a bridge between college and graduate school for students interested in empirical economics. Applicants must have completed a Bachelor’s degree by June 2025 and have strong quantitative and programming skills. Candidates with research experience are strongly preferred, especially those with experience in Stata, R, Python or Matlab.

Responsibilities:

• Contributing to design and implementation of research in development economics.
• Conducting data cleaning and data analysis.
• Assistance drafting, fact-checking and proof-reading papers.
• Developing literature reviews.

Qualifications: 

Required Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Economics, or related field with substantial training in economics

Preferred Education

• Master’s degree in economics, public policy, or a related field preferred

Experience

• Work experience in a research environment, with proven analytical and quantitative skills
• Experience conducting RCTs or other research in a developing country
• Experience with a statistical analysis package such as R, Python, or Stata

Preferred Competencies:

• Strong interest in development economics
• Ability to work both independently, in a self-directed manner, and as a team member
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce clear and compelling written materials geared towards technical and non-technical audiences
• Mature, self-directed individual with the ability to balance multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in order to meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced working environment
• Ability to work efficiently with minimal supervision
• Excellent organizational skills and high attention to detail

Working Conditions: 

• This position will perform tasks mostly indoors in an office setting.
• Requires the ability to work independently for periods of time.

Required Documents:

• Resume/CV (required)
• Transcripts (required)
• Writing sample (optional)

About the Unit:

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. For more information visit https://bfi.uchicago.edu and https://bfi.uchicago.edu/info-for/prep.

BFI-China is seeking highly accomplished, early career researchers as a postdoctoral scholar. The position begins during the summer of 2025 and will be either a one- or two-year term of employment. Drawing on the rich intellectual history of Chicago Economics, BFI is an international destination for intellectual exchange on economic analysis and policy. The Institute nurtures connections and fosters new collaboration between economic scholars at Chicago and leading economists from around the world. Through its outreach programs, BFI enhances and deepens the impact that economic research at Chicago has on public policy and on the broader public debate on important economic and social issues. BFI-China research fellows will pursue research on leading edge themes in the study of economics. The specific area of study will reflect the research interests of the candidate. As an integral part of the Institute’s research activities, the candidate will be invited to organize academic conferences, host acclaimed scholars, and engage with the rich intellectual life of the University of Chicago. BFI-China research fellows spend one year as an integral part of the BFI’s research activities, June/July 2025 through June/July 2026, free from teaching requirements. They are free to pursue their own research and are invited to take advantage of the resources available at the BFI for organizing conferences, hosting visitors, and engaging with the rich intellectual life of the University of Chicago. While visiting Chicago, they are part of BFI’s China’s afternoon seminar series, which meets quarterly.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct research on topics related to the Chinese economy
• Participate in the BFI-China quarterly afternoon workshops

Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum requirements include a PhD in related field.

Work Experience:

• Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Application Documents:

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover letter
• Academic writing sample
• Two letters of reference

Diversity Statement

All University departments and institutes are charged with building a faculty from a diversity of backgrounds and with diverse viewpoints; with cultivating an inclusive community that values freedom of expression; and with welcoming and supporting all their members.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages diverse perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange. The University’s Statements on Diversity are at https://provost.uchicago.edu/statements-diversity.

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, 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 773-834-3988 or email equalopportunity@uchicago.edu with their request.

The Becker Friedman Institute for Economics (BFI) is seeking to hire a full-time Research Professional to work with Professors Ali Hortacsu and Chad Syverson as part of BFI’s Industrial Organization Initiative and BFI’s Predoctoral Research in Economics Program (PREP). The BFI IO initiative sponsors projects in all areas connected to the economics of industry. Research professionals work closely with faculty on project areas including but not limited to theoretical and empirical work on strategic firm interactions, estimation of demand and production functions, advertising and information asymmetries, regulations and their impact on firm performance and broader economic outcomes, the design of market mechanisms for private and public sector applications. Requirements: mastery of undergraduate econometrics and statistics, and proficiency in R/Python/Stata and robust software development practices.

The program is intended to serve as a bridge between college and graduate school for students interested in empirical economics. Applicants must have completed a Bachelors degree by June 2025 and 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 begin on July 1, 2025 and 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:

• Write programs in Stata 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 numerical optimization and package development in R and/or Python, and the ability to use Stata 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.

Experience

• Relevant research experience as a research assistant.

Technical Knowledge/Skills

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

Required Documents:

• Resume/CV
• Writing sample
• Transcripts (unofficial is ok)

The University of Chicago provides equal employment opportunities to all employees, applicants, and job seekers. No person shall be discriminated against in employment or harassed because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, marital status, parental status, ancestry, source of income, or other classes protected by law. This policy includes the commitment to maintaining a work environment free from unlawful harassment.

The Becker Friedman Institute for Economics (BFI) is seeking to hire a full-time Research Professional to work with Professors Azeem Shaikh and Max Tabord-Meehan as part of BFI’s Big Data Initiative and BFI’s Predoctoral Research in Economics Program (PREP). Successful applicants will collaborate on new and ongoing research in econometric theory.  The position will likely involve programming novel statistical procedures and conducting simulation experiments, as well as reading, understanding and summarizing current methodological papers in economics and statistics.    

The program is intended to serve as a bridge between college and graduate school for students interested in empirical economics. Applicants must have completed a Bachelors degree by June 2025 and 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 begin on July 1, 2025 and 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: 

• Write programs in R, Python, or Matlab 
• Construct figures and tables for economics papers 
• Conduct literature reviews in economics and statistics 
• Identify new data sources 
• Editing tasks 
• Other duties as assigned. 

Unit-preferred Competencies: 

• Prior coursework in math, statistics and econometrics required 
• Desired skills include advanced familiarity with numerical optimization and package development in R, Python, or Matlab. 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 

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: 

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, Python or Matlab preferred 
• Knowledge of STATA preferred 

Required Documents: 

• Resume/CV 
• Cover letter
• Writing sample 
• Transcripts (unofficial is ok) 

About the Department
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. For more information visit https://bfi.uchicago.edu.

The University of Chicago provides equal employment opportunities to all employees, applicants, and job seekers. No person shall be discriminated against in employment or harassed because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, marital status, parental status, ancestry, source of income, or other classes protected by law. This policy includes the commitment to maintaining a work environment free from unlawful harassment.

The Development Innovation Lab (DIL) 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. The Predoctoral Research in Economics Program (PREP) is intended to serve as a bridge between college and graduate school for students interested in empirical economics. The program offers unique research and professional training opportunities at the University of Chicago. PREP sits within the Becker Friedman Institute for Economics. BFI is a collaborative platform serving the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics, the Development Innovation Lab, the Harris School of Public Policy, and the Law School. For more information visit https://bfi.uchicago.edu and https://bfi.uchicago.edu/info-for/prep/.

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

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

Education:

• Advanced degree in economics, mathematics, computer science, statistics, public policy, engineering or comparable field.

Experience:

• A minimum of one to two years of relevant research experience. Experience gained in school counts towards this qualification.
• Experience working, studying, or spending significant time in developing countries.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Knowledge of mathematics and statistics (strong preference for candidates with GRE scores above 165).
• 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.

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 provides equal employment opportunities to all employees, applicants, and job seekers. No person shall be discriminated against in employment or harassed because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, marital status, parental status, ancestry, source of income, or other classes protected by law. This policy includes the commitment to maintaining a work environment free from unlawful harassment.

The Becker Friedman Institute for Economics (BFI) is seeking to hire a full-time Research Professional to work with Maggie Shi, Zarek Brot-Goldberg, and Josh Gottlieb.  The Research Professional will be involved in all stages of ongoing and new research projects related to research in the economics of health. 

Successful candidates will work directly with Professors Shi, Brot-Goldberg, Josh Gottlieb, 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. Applicants must have completed a Bachelors degree by June 2025 and have strong quantitative and programming skills. Candidates with research experience are strongly preferred, especially those with experience in Stata, R, or Python. The ideal candidate would begin on July 1, 2025 (flexible) and 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:

• Write programs in Stata, R, 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 numerical optimization and package development in R and/or Python, and the ability to use Stata 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 science, physics, engineering, or other quantitative STEM fields is highly desirable.

Experience

• Relevant research experience as a research assistant.

Technical Knowledge/Skills

• Knowledge of R, Python, Stata preferred

Required Documents:

• Resume/CV
• Writing sample
• Transcripts (unofficial is ok)

The University of Chicago provides equal employment opportunities to all employees, applicants, and job seekers. No person shall be discriminated against in employment or harassed because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, marital status, parental status, ancestry, source of income, or other classes protected by law. This policy includes the commitment to maintaining a work environment free from unlawful harassment.