Principal Researcher

The University Of Chicago; United States; On-site; USD 63,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Chicago Booth School of Business seeks a Postdoctoral Principal Researcher/Behavioral Science Instructor to conduct independent and collaborative experimental research with RF-CDR, exploring questions in psychology and behavioral economics. The position involves teaching two sections of a quarter-length course each year, participating in workshops, and engaging in the school’s academic life.

The initial appointment is one year, with potential extension.

Qualifications

• Must have a college or university degree in a related field.
• Strong teaching experience.
• Strong record of research productivity in behavioral science.

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.
• Uses subject matter knowledge to perform lab and/or research-related duties.
• 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.

Skills

Teaching experience

Research productivity

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Ph.D. expected by 2027

Job description

Department Booth CDR: Operations About the Department The University of Chicago Booth School of Business is the second-oldest business school in the U.S. and second to none when it comes to influencing business education and business practices. Since 1898, the school has produced ideas and leaders that shape the world of business. Their rigorous, discipline-based approach to business education transforms students into confident, effective, respected business leaders prepared to face the toughest challenges. Chicago Booth has the finest set of facilities of any business school in the world. Each of the four campuses (two in Chicago, one in London, and one in Hong Kong) reflects the architectural traditions of its environs while offering a state‑of‑the‑art learning environment. Chicago Booth is proud to claim:

Claims

• -an unmatched faculty.
• -degree and open enrollment programs offered on three continents.
• -a global body of nearly 56,000 accomplished alumni.
• -strong and growing corporate relationships that provide a wealth of lifelong career opportunities.

As part of the world-renowned University of Chicago, Chicago Booth shares the University’s core values that shape the distinctive intellectual culture. At Booth, they constantly question and test ideas, and seek proof. This extraordinarily effective approach to business leads to new ideas and innovative solutions. Seven of the Booth faculty members have won Nobel Prizes for these ideas - the first business school to achieve this accomplishment. For more information about the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, please visit: http://www.chicagobooth.edu/.

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: ---

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. When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

• Research Role
• Impact Individual Contributor
• Scheduled Weekly Hours 37.5
• Drug Test Required No Health Screen Required No Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required No Pay Rate Type Salary FLSA Status Exempt Pay Range $75,000.00
• Benefits Eligible Yes 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.

The University of Chicago’s Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637. The University of Chicago is an urban research university that has driven new ways of thinking since 1890. Our commitment to free and open inquiry draws inspired scholars to our global campuses, where ideas are born that challenge and change the world. We empower individuals to challenge conventional thinking in pursuit of original ideas. Students in the College develop critical, analytic, and writing skills in our rigorous, interdisciplinary core curriculum. Through graduate programs, students test their ideas with UChicago scholars, and become the next generation of leaders in academia, industry, nonprofits, and government. To learn more about the university click here http://www.uchicago.edu/