Postdoctoral Principal Researcher/Behavioral Science Instructor

Society for Personality and Social Psychology; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Chicago Booth School of Business is seeking a Postdoctoral Principal Researcher/Behavioral Science Instructor to support a talented behavioral scientist in advancing experimental research within the Roman Family Center for Decision Research (RF-CDR) at Chicago.

The role involves designing studies in diverse settings, teaching two sections of a quarter-length course annually, and active participation in the school’s academic life through workshops and seminars.

Qualifications

• A college or university degree in a related field is required.
• 5–7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
• Ph.D. in psychology, economics, or other behavioral science discipline; expected by September 2027.

Responsibilities

• Participates in study design, data acquisition and analysis, manuscript development, and presentation/publication of results.
• Teaches two sections of a quarter-long behavioral science class each academic year; teaching is 20%–25% of the role.
• Guides data collection, evaluation and analysis; designs and manages databases; writes reports.
• Performs other related work as needed.
• Collaborates with Booth Faculty in the RF-CDR and contributes to academic life through workshops and seminars.

Skills

Teaching experience

Research design

Data analysis

Scientific writing

Education

Ph.D., earned or expected by 2027 in psychology/economics/behavioral science

Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

Postdoctoral Principal Researcher/Behavioral Science Instructor

Job Summary

The Postdoctoral Principal Researcher/Behavioral Science Instructor role is designed to support a talented behavioral scientist in generating significant research contributions to behavioral science disciplines, such as psychology or behavioral economics. The primary duty for the Principal Researcher will be to conduct research both independently and in collaboration with Booth Faculty in the Roman Family Center for Decision Research (RF-CDR), with particular encouragement to advance high-quality, cutting-edge experimental research. Accordingly, demonstrate an outstanding capacity to generate original research questions and implement studies to investigate those questions in unique experimental settings, such as companies, public spaces, and museums.
The Principal Researcher will teach two sections of a one quarter-length course per year in order to gain experience for teaching behavioral science in a business school setting. The Principal Researcher is also expected to participate in the academic life of the school, including attending workshops and seminars.
This position is initially for one year, with the possibility of up to two additional years.

Responsibilities

• Participates in study design, data acquisition and analysis, manuscript development, and presentation/publication of results.
• Teaches two sections of a quarter-long behavioral science class each academic year. The teaching component of this role is 20% to 25% of the role.
• 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:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Ph.D., earned or expected by September 2027, in psychology, economics, or other behavioral science discipline.

Experience:

• Strong teaching experience.

Preferred Competencies

• Strong record of research productivity in behavioral science.
• Interact with faculty, students, and staff successfully.
• Good organizational skills and attention to detail.

Working Conditions

• This position is currently expected to work a minimum three days per week in the office.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• Writing Sample (required)
• Teaching Statement (required)
• Research Statement (required)
• Two Letters of Recommendation should be sent by recommenders to [e-mail] with the candidate’s name in the subject line. Please ask the recommender to speak to your potential teaching capabilities. Letters due by December 10, 2026 (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.

5807 South Woodlawn Avenue
Chicago IL, 60637

NOTE: The above information is provided by the employer. The Society for Personality and Social Psychology, Inc. does not verify the accuracy of these statements.