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BFI China Postdoctoral Scholar

Chicago, IL

Postdoctoral Scholar Position Open in the Becker Friedman Institute for Economics, China Branch (BFI China)

Job Title: Postdoctoral Scholar, BFI China

Location: Chicago, IL 

Full-time or Part-time: ​Full-Time​  

Salary Ranges: $75,000 - $85,000 

Terms: Seeking a Postdoctoral scholar for a period of at least one year with the possibility of a second

Reporting to: Chang-tai Hsieh and Shaoda Wang

Expected Start Date: ​July 1, 2025​ 

 

About BFI China:

The Becker Friedman Institute for Economics at the University of Chicago (BFI) serves as a platform for the dynamic University of Chicago economics community. Uniting faculty from the Booth School of Business, the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics, the Harris School of Public Policy, and the Law School, BFI supports new research that expands society’s understanding of economic challenges and identifies solutions. Working in close partnership with Chinese researchers and research institutions, BFI aims to develop new insights on the critical economic issues facing Chinese policymakers today. The vehicle for this ambitious effort is BFI-China, a first-of-its kind effort to support University of Chicago economists with research interests in China and to create new opportunities for expanding the world-class community of scholars producing new research focused on the Chinese economy. To support research that produces timely, relevant insights, BFI-China is organized around three targeted research initiatives. Each one of these initiatives will draw from unparalleled skills, knowledge, and expertise of University of Chicago faculty working in collaboration with Chinese institutional partners.

Job Summary:

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.

 

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