Department
SSD Development Economics Center: Staff and Temporary Employees
About the Department
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 & Policy Associate 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 & Policy Associate’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 Research & Policy Associate’s responsibilities will also span all stages of policy work, including writing policy briefs and communicating with government officials and other stakeholders.
Responsibilities
- 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. Builds, manages, and maintains project databases.
- Supports the design and implementation of experiments, interacting with other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigator.
- Ensures project compliance with different policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.
- Helps write policy briefs and other policy-related documents.
- Communicates with key stakeholders, including government officials and partner organizations.
- Under limited direction, performs complex lab and/or research-related duties and tasks.
- Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.
- 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:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
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Preferred Qualifications
Education:
- Masters’ degree level training in economics and mathematics from a top institution relevant research experience.
Experience:
- Experience working, studying, or spending significant time in developing countries, particularly Pakistan.
- Experience gained in school counts towards this qualification.
Technical Skills or Knowledge:
- Knowledge of mathematics, statistics, and computer programming as indicated by coursework.
- 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)
- References Contact Information (3)(required)
The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Research
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type
Salary
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Range
$50,150.00 - $64,900.00
The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in theBenefits Guidebook.
Posting Statement
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.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
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