Research Specialist
University of Chicago
Department
SSD: Economics-Staff and Temporary Employees-The Normal Lab
About the Department
Job Summary
Responsibilities
- Develop code to analyze micro data sets. Coding will be done in Stata, R or equivalent statistical package.
- Help design, launch, and analyze field experiments and online experiments.
- The position will demand close collaboration on a number of new and ongoing projects.
- Assist in the identification and preparation of grant applications.
- Conduct independent problem-solving with high-level directional advice.
- Be fully informed on the latest developments in the relevant research areas and present findings effectively and articulately.
- Assist faculty to identity, assess, and organize information addressing research goals.
- Help coordinate a small team of undergraduate RAs.
- This position will require a commitment of at least 1 year, with the possibility of renewal, and would be ideal for a candidate who is interested in gaining experience before applying to graduate school. The expected start date would be July 2026.
- Installs, sets up and performs experiments; interacting with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigator.
- Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project.
- Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Certifications:
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Preferred Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in economics, development, public policy, statistics or related field.
- Master’s degree in economics, public policy or related field.
Experience:
- Research or program evaluation experience (1-2 years).
- Programming experience, including cleaning and manipulating large data sets and coding and implementing statistical procedures.
Technical Knowledge or Skills:
- Knowledge of Stata, Python, and/or R.
- Proficiency in Excel and Latex.
Preferred Competencies
- Work both independently, in a self-directed manner, and as a team member.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce clear and compelling written materials geared towards technical and non-technical audiences.
- Mature, self-directed individual with the ability to balance multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in order to meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced working environment.
- Work efficiently with minimal supervision.
- Excellent organizational skills and high attention to detail.
- Strong interest in development economics.
Application Documents
- Cover letter (required)
- CV/resume (required)
- Three (3) academic references (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
Role Impact
Scheduled Weekly Hours
Drug Test Required
Health Screen Required
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
Pay Rate Type
FLSA Status
Pay Range
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
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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