Research Lead

The University Of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 73,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, retirement, and paid time off benefits

Opportunities for professional development

Job summary

A prestigious research university in Chicago is seeking a full-time Research Lead to manage scientific projects and oversee research staff. The role includes advanced data analysis, collaboration with researchers, and substantial contributions to publications. Candidates should possess a PhD in economics and extensive experience in development economics research, including randomized control trials. The position offers an annual salary range of $73,000 to $95,000 and extensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
• Experience running randomized control trials.
• Prior experience on development economics research.

Responsibilities

• Manage scientific research projects and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Oversee and support research staff in their projects.
• Train and mentor junior staff.

Skills

Strong oral and written communication skills

Excellent organizational skills

Project management skills

Curiosity and interest in agriculture

Team player with excellent interpersonal skills

Education

PhD in economics or related field

Job description

**Department**SSD Development Economics Center: Staff and Temporary Employees**About the Department**The Development Innovation Lab at the University of Chicago uses the tools of economics to develop innovations with the potential to benefit millions of people in low- and middle-income countries. It was founded and is led by Nobel laureate Michael Kremer.**Job Summary**The job manages scientific research projects or scientific research facilities. Uses considerable on-the-job experience to ensure compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies. Works independently to write articles, reports and manuscripts, and presents research findings at meetings and/or conferences. 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:**Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.**Certifications:****---****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**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**$73,000.00 - $95,000.00The 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**YesThe 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**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 Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via 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: . 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