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Research Professional – Big Data Initiative (Full-Time, Benefits Eligible)

Chicago, IL

Job Title: Research Professional –  Big Data Initiative (Full-Time, Benefits Eligible)

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

Expected Start Date: July 1, 2025

Please send questions related to this posting to bfipredoc@uchicago.edu 

Job Summary

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.  

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