Department
SSD Development Economics Center: Staff and Temporary Employees
About the Department
Job Summary
The Development Innovation Lab (DIL) at the University of Chicago is seeking a full-time Research Lead to contribute to development economics research and policy projects across the Lab. Research priorities will be set in conversation with the Faculty Director and DIL senior leadership
Responsibilities
- Work closely with the Faculty Director, DIL leaders, and research collaborators to oversee and manage research projects.
- Collaborate and coordinate with researchers on joint research efforts and cross-cutting initiatives.
- Perform advanced data analysis to support research objectives.
- Train, supervise, and support DIL research staff conducting research, including up to 1-2 Research Professionals or Predoctoral Associates.
- Substantially contribute to research publications, protocols, and grant proposals.
- Facilitate and promote advanced research projects by providing scientific and intellectual input.
- Guides data collection activities and manage complex datasets for research and policy projects.
- Serve as a resource for data collection and analytical processes.
- Work with the Faculty Director and DIL Leaders to support and develop DIL’s policy work in countries of operation.
- Support new initiatives (such as weather or education policy) which require knowledge of economic theory and advanced economics training.
- Provide specialized research support to and reviews for the Weiss Fund for Research in Development Economics, including overseeing self nominations for new researchers, compiling committee reviews, and reviewing applicants to the Junior Researcher Fellowship.
- Contribute to cross-lab and Lab priorities such as research and policy staff hiring, organization of research and policy events, and other activities as assigned.
- Mentor junior research and policy staff members.
- Build and maintain relationships crucial to organizational success and research.
- Uses subject matter and best practices knowledge to perform lab and/or research-related duties and tasks. Works independently to assist with project design.
- Guides data collection, evaluation and analysis. Designs and manages databases. Writes reports, articles and manuscripts.
- Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Certifications:
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Preferred Qualifications
Education:
- PhD in economics or related field.
- PhD level training in the methods of economics.
Experience:
- Seven years of work experience in a related field.
- Knowledge of and experience running randomized control trials.
- Prior experience working on randomized evaluations, development economics research, and/or public policy in developing countries.
- Proven record of writing and publishing rigorous evaluations.
Technical Skills or Knowledge:
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Excellent organizational, time, and project management skills, with the proven ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Curiosity and interest in agriculture, education, and safe water.
- Team player with excellent interpersonal skills.
Working Conditions
- Perform tasks mostly indoors in an office setting.
- Work independently for periods of eight (8) hours or more.
- Candidates must be willing to travel for their respective responsibilities (around 30% internationally).
Application Documents
- Resume/CV (required)
- Research Statement (required)
- Professional References Contact Information (3)(required)
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Role Impact
Scheduled Weekly Hours
Drug Test Required
Health Screen Required
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
Pay Rate Type
FLSA Status
Pay Range
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
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 the Benefits 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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Skills Required
- College or university degree in a related field
- 5-7 years of related work experience
- Willingness to travel internationally (~30%)
- Resume/CV upload (required)
- Research Statement upload (required)
- Professional references contact information (3) (required)
- PhD in economics or related field
- PhD-level training in methods of economics
- Knowledge of and experience running randomized controlled trials
- Prior experience with randomized evaluations, development economics research, or public policy in developing countries
- Proven record of writing and publishing rigorous evaluations
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Excellent organizational, time, and project management skills
- Curiosity and interest in agriculture, education, and safe water
- Team player with excellent interpersonal skills
What We Do
The University of Chicago is an urban research university that has driven new ways of thinking since 1890. Our commitment to rigorous inquiry and intellectual freedom draws pathbreaking scholars to our global campuses, where field-defining ideas are born that challenge and change the world. The University of Chicago has its main campus on Chicago's South Side and seven international campuses and centers throughout the world. Students can choose from 53 majors and 47 minors in the undergraduate College, with four divisions and seven professional schools for graduate study.
