Department

SSD: Center for the Economics of Human Development - Staff and Temporary Employees

About the Department

Since its inception in 2014, the Center for the Economics of Human Development (CEHD) has brought together top-tier researchers to conduct and disseminate rigorous interdisciplinary research that identifies and explores the conditions under which people develop the skills necessary to thrive in society and achieve their fullest potential. CEHD’s research is guided by Professor James J. Heckman to include a comprehensive array of interrelated and interdisciplinary projects and initiatives which promote a thorough empirical understanding of human flourishing. Unifying this research is an evolving body of ideas that capacities and skills acquired over the lifecycle, starting at conception, transform many aspects of the life course at all stages, ranging from employment and earning prospects to overall health. Professor James J. Heckman and his research team work to advance knowledge by producing empirical and theoretical research that integrates ideas and methods across the social and natural sciences and creates rigorous evidence for public policy.

Job Summary

The job participates in scientific research projects. Ensures compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives and mandates. Analyzes possible solutions using standard procedures. Writes articles, reports and manuscripts. Assists in drafting presentations on research findings. CEHD’s robust research initiatives produce innovative, sound, evidence-based support for high-quality investments in programs that foster skills over the lifecycle. The research specialist will contribute to these publications and collaborations and gain Higher-level skills and knowledge and early-career authorship.

Responsibilities

• Programs in Stata, Python, R, or Matlab to analyze data using econometric tools.
• Collaborates with research team to develop economic models for projects.
• Analyze the meaning, significance, causes, and effects of the subject.
• Writes and/or proofreads academic papers, reports, and presentations.
• Cleans and describes data, generating graphs, tables, or other summaries. Writes and/or proofreads grants.
• Takes responsibility for the following non-laboratory duties: transcribing and coding data; developing data collection instruments; presenting research; and recruiting and scheduling research subjects.
• Takes responsibility for the following laboratory duties: recognizing abnormal results and varying conditions or procedures to correct problems; setting up and performing experiments.
• Trains and supervises undergraduate research assistants. Responsibly handle confidential data.
• Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project.
• Analyzes and maintains data and/or specimens. Conducts literature reviews. Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.
• 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 < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree, conferred by Spring 2025, in economics or related quantitative field.

Experience:

• One year of research experience with quantitative academic research.
• Experience programming and working with empirical data.
• Experience working successfully in stressful environments and problem solving.

Technical Knowledge or Skills

• Experience with R, Matlab, Python helpful.

Preferred Competencies

• Working knowledge of research techniques in empirical economics.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and an enthusiasm for learning new methods and skills independently.
• Strong ability to coordinate work with others and teams.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent organization and attention to details.

Application Documents

• Resume or CV (required)
• Research statement (required)
• Unofficial transcript (required)
• Sample of code in any programming language that you have used to conduct data analysis (required)
• 2 references contact information (required)

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

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$50,150.00 - $64,900.00

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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