Research Manager

University of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement options

Paid time off

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Chicago is seeking a full-time Research Manager for its Development Innovation Lab. The role involves managing research projects, ensuring regulatory compliance, and writing reports. Candidates should have a relevant degree and 5-7 years of related experience, with a strong emphasis on organizational skills and communication. Extensive travel is required, and benefits are included. This position is vital for advancing research in development economics aimed at improving lives in low and middle-income countries.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5-7 years of work experience in a related discipline.
• Experience conducting randomized control trials.
• Graduate level training in economics and econometrics.
• Experience managing or creating project budgets.
• Work experience in countries where DIL has research projects.

Responsibilities

• Implement research in development economics ensuring data quality.
• Manage and mentor junior research staff.
• Design and manage databases, write reports and articles.
• Lead research communications with partners and internal stakeholders.
• Mentor junior research staff and organize events/seminars.
• Organize internal systems for project management and data processes.

Skills

Organizational skills

Written communication

Attention to detail

Cross-cultural communication

Economics

Econometrics

Mentoring

Data collection

Public speaking

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

Related field degree

Job description

Research Manager – Development Innovation Lab

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.

DIL is seeking a full‑time Research Manager to work with the faculty director and other researchers on development economics research projects. The Research Manager will manage scientific research projects, ensure compliance with regulatory policies, write articles, reports, and manuscripts, and present research findings at meetings and conferences.

Responsibilities

• Implement DIL’s research in development economics, ensuring high‑quality data collection across projects.
• Co‑develop and manage a portfolio of research projects with Lead Researchers.
• Conduct literature reviews.
• Review research ethics (IRB) applications.
• Manage and mentor junior research staff.
• Lead research communications with partners and internal stakeholders.
• Build and manage internal research project management systems and processes.
• Identify and recruit top research talent globally.
• Organize research events such as seminars.
• Address complex project administration problems and contribute to methodology.
• Design and manage databases, write reports, articles and manuscripts.
• Perform related work as needed.

Qualifications

Minimum Education

A college or university degree in a related field.

Minimum Experience

5-7 years of work experience in a related discipline.

Preferred Education

Bachelor's degree.

Preferred Experience

• 5+ years of relevant work experience; internship experience may count.
• Experience conducting randomized control trials.
• Demonstrated experience managing or creating project budgets.
• Graduate level training in economics and econometrics.
• Work experience in countries where DIL has research projects (e.g., Kenya, India, Rwanda, Uganda, Nigeria, Colombia, Peru, Dominican Republic).

Preferred Competencies

• Excellent organizational skills, written communication, and high attention to detail.
• Strong cross‑cultural communication skills.
• Knowledge of and experience with field work in developing countries.
• Experience conducting research including managing research teams.
• Exposure to randomized control trials.
• Undergraduate training in economics and econometrics.

Working Conditions

Candidates must be willing to travel extensively and flexibly as needed for responsibilities.

Benefits

Eligible for benefits programs and resources including health, retirement, and paid time off.

EEO 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.