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Research Professional – Development Innovation Lab (Full-Time, Benefits Eligible)

Chicago, IL

Job Title: Research Professional – Michael Kremer (Full-Time, Benefits Eligible)

Location: Chicago, IL – Hyde Park Campus, Saieh Hall 

Expected Start Date: June 15, 2025

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 (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.

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