Research Support Coordinator

University of Chicago

University of Chicago

Customer Service
Chicago, IL, USA
USD 26-35 / hour
Posted on Jun 11, 2025

Department

BFI - Research


About the Department

Inspired by our namesakes, Nobel Laureates Gary Becker and Milton Friedman, who believed that economic research could help improve the world, the Becker Friedman Institute for Economics aims to foster frontier research and apply those findings to achieve global impact. BFI brings together researchers from the Booth School of Business, the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics, the Harris School of Public Policy, the Law School, and the entire University of Chicago Economics Community to leverage robust data, apply cutting-edge analytical tools, and uncover novel insights on the world’s most difficult economic problems. BFI then bridges the divide between academic researchers and relevant policy makers by translating and packaging rigorous research into accessible formats and proactively sharing those findings with decision-makers and thought leaders in business, government and nonprofit institutions. In this way, BFI has the potential to play a significant role in meeting the most difficult challenges facing the global community.


Job Summary

Under the direction of the Senior Officer, Research Support, the Research Support Coordinator provides administrative support and oversees the day-to-day success across several key initiatives at the Becker Friedman Institute. The position coordinates logistics and communication for events, trainings, and research activities tied to BFI's research assistant -program, the Expanding Discovery in Economics (EDE+) initiative, Pre-doctoral Research in Economics Program (PREP), the Saieh Fellows Program, and the Visitors Program. Responsibilities include managing application and scheduling workflows, assisting with faculty and student communications, tracking payments and placements, and maintaining organized records and documentation. The role also serves as a first point of contact for faculty support and contributes to the successful execution of events and programs across the Institute.

This position provides business support for non-technical (not information technology or construction related) projects from conception to completion. Performs administrative duties as they relate to the assembly of teams and the development of detailed work plans, schedules, project estimates, resource plans, and status reports.

Responsibilities

  • Helps distribute and post CFPs.
  • Assists in logistics and event planning for research support meetings/events/trainings.
  • Coordinates communications with faculty and students.
  • Tracks payments, schedules, and RA placement logistics.
  • Manages scheduling and event logistics for programming.
  • Helps with application intake and administrative support during institute.
  • Handles scheduling for trainings, retreats, and events.
  • Supports communication with fellows and faculty supervisors.
  • Answers day-to-day inquiries from program stakeholders.
  • Coordinates visitor logistics, including travel, space, etc.
  • Serves as first-line support for faculty questions.
  • Helps track and file relevant forms and documents.
  • Assists with documentation for gift impact and recordkeeping systems.
  • Assists team with coordination of daily projects for the department, maintain general office supply inventory, point of contact for resolving any issues concerning equipment or space. Help facilitate special events and conferences.
  • With direction, assists in tracking progress and identifying obstacles for project completion.
  • Performs other related work as needed.


Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).


Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.


Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in business or related field.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

  • Knowledge of UChicago systems and GEMS.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly with Word and Excel.
  • Create Microsoft Excel reports to manage, update, and organize data.

Preferred Competencies

  • Self-starter with a high level of attention to detail.
  • Strong written, interpersonal, and verbal communication skills.
  • Manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
  • Excellent organizational skills and problem-solving skills.
  • Follow an issue through to resolution.
  • Considerable skill in working both independently and as a team member.
  • Take initiative, organize, and complete projects with minimal supervision.
  • Interest in overall stakeholder experience and positively impact that experience.​

Application Documents

  • Resume/CV (required)
  • Cover Letter (required)
  • Three Professional References Contact Information (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

    Administration & Management


    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

    Hourly


    FLSA Status

    Non-Exempt


    Pay Range

    $26.00 - $35.00

    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

    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.

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