(Senior) Research Analyst, Uganda
The Development Innovation Lab (DIL) is a new initiative led by Nobel laureate Professor Michael Kremer at the University of Chicago. DIL brings researchers from various fields together with governments, firms, and nonprofits to use the tools of economics to identify, test, refine and scale innovations with the potential to benefit millions of people in low- and middle-income countries.
DIL’s engagement in Uganda is advancing along two fronts. Along the first front, several projects are underway that explore a framework in which teachers are trained to “learn how to learn.” In brief, this involves taking teachers through activities in which they learn to learn like scientists. An analysis of the pedagogical features of the training helps teachers explore pathways towards changing practices with their own students. The study has generated very promising results from an initial primary school study (Nourani, Ashraf, and Banerjee, 2020). Similar interventions are now being explored in new settings and taken to scale. For example, a new line of academic inquiry may explore whether key agricultural informants can refine extant processes of social learning around agricultural technologies if trained in this approach. DIL researchers are also currently working with the Ministry of Education to identify opportunities for scaling this approach through the continuous professional development of teachers through government systems. This process involves frequent conversations and interactions with stakeholders in the Ministry of Education, which the (Senior) Research Analyst will manage.
Job Description
DIL is seeking a full-time (Senior) Research Analyst to collaborate on new and ongoing research in development economics. Successful applicants will work closely with Principal Investigators (PIs) at the Development Innovation Lab (DIL) at the University of Chicago, including Professor Michael Kremer, Nobel laureate and DIL Faculty Director.
The ideal candidate is highly proficient in cleaning and organizing quantitative data for social science research and possesses a mix of economics, analytical, interpersonal and communications skills. This position is based in Kampala with frequent travel to project locations across all of Uganda.
Responsibilities
- Supports the design and implementation of experiments under the direction of the PI.
- Collects, records, cleans, organizes and analyzes data from field activities.
- Manage relationships with partner organizations
- Conducts literature reviews.
- Participates in writing reports and manuscripts.
- Ensures compliance with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.
- Trains and oversees the work of research support personnel.
- Transcribes and codes data; develops data collection instruments.
- Presents research findings at staff meetings, seminars, and scientific conferences.
- Assists with building databases.
- Recruits and schedules research subjects.
- Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project.
- Conducting other relevant administrative tasks, as needed.
Preferred Qualifications
- A master’s degree in Economics, Public Policy, Environment Policy or Science or another related field. Will consider a bachelor’s degree in a related field with at least one year of work experience.
- Advanced knowledge of research techniques and methods in relevant scientific fields.
- Knowledge of impact evaluations, particularly, randomized controlled trials.
- Excellent data management, cleaning, and analysis skills. Proficiency with Stata and SurveyCTO is required.
- Strong demonstrated interest in the development sector.
Behavioral Requirements
- Excellent management and organizational skills along with strong quantitative skills.
- Flexible, self-motivating, able to manage multiple tasks efficiently, and a team player.
- Strong communication, and presentation skills.
Working Conditions
- Candidates must be willing to travel extensively and flexibly as needed for their respective responsibilities
Application Documents
- Resume/CV (required)
- Cover Letter (required)
- References Contact Information (3 required)
- Do file example from previous coding activity in Stata
- Surveycto code example from previous coding activity in SurveyCTO
As part of the recruitment process, there will be a separate test for candidates who will be selected from the first round of the selection process.
Submit questions ekayongo@uchicago.edu with the subject heading “Application for (Senior) Research Analyst”