Research Professional

Department
 

BFI Initiatives

About the Department
 

The Becker Friedman Institute for Economics (BFI) works with the Chicago Economics community to turn its evidence-based research into real-world impact. BFI takes a unique approach to bridging the divide between academic researchers and decision-makers in the business community and government by translating and packaging the rigorous work of the Chicago Economics community into accessible formats, and proactively sharing those findings with relevant decision-makers and thought leaders around the globe. BFI is a collaborative platform serving the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics, the Harris School of Public Policy, and the Law School. For more information visit https://bfi.uchicago.edu and https://bfi.uchicago.edu/programs/macro-finance-research-program/.

Job Summary
 

The Research Professional will assist with development and behavioral economics research projects in health. Their research focuses on studying the economics of health delivery and behaviors in low- and middle-income countries, and evaluates the impact of policies and interventions that increase preventative health-seeking behaviors. It uses a combination of methods including field experiments, lab-in-the-field experiments, and quasi-experiments, using both survey and administrative data. The Research Professional will primarily conduct statistical analyses and draft reports and presentations of research findings. They will also contribute to the design and implementation of field experiments. The ideal candidate is someone with a strong interest in furthering their applied econometrics and economic theory skills, and who is passionate about development economics and/or health topics. The Research Professional will be part of the vibrant research environment of the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics at The University of Chicago.

Responsibilities

• Cleans and analyzes data.
• Writes or finalizes replicable data files or scripts for publication.
• Ensures compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives, and mandates. Analyzes possible solutions using standard procedures.
• Assists with writing data analysis plans and contributes to preparing study registration documents.
• Supports the implementation of field experiments including supporting the design and implementation of surveys, and monitoring the quality of data collected, when needed.
• Supports with writing of grant and policy reports, and assists with drafting presentations of research findings.
• Takes responsibility for the following non-laboratory duties: transcribing and coding data; developing data collection instruments; presenting research; and recruiting and scheduling research subjects. Acquires higher-level skills and knowledge in the process.
• 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.

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Work Experience:

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

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in economics, public policy, or a related field.
• Master’s degree in economics, public policy, or a related field.

Experience:

• Experience in econometrics.
• Working as a research assistant.
• Analyzing large data sets, applying econometrics methods.
• Machine learning techniques in data analysis.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Familiarity with statistical analysis packages such as Stata, R, or Python.
• Familiarity with field experiments.

Preferred Competencies

• Strong interest in development economics and/or behavioral economics.
• Self-starter who thrives working both independently, with minimal supervision, and as a part of small research teams, participating in multiple projects concurrently.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce clear and compelling written materials geared towards technical and non-technical audiences.
• Prioritize effectively to meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced working environment.
• Excellent organizational skills and high attention to detail.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Copy of Transcripts, unofficial are acceptable (required)
• Math SAT if available (preferred)

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

FLSA Status
 

Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

37.5

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

Requires Compliance with University Covid-19 Vaccination Requirement
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Posting Statement
 

Employees must comply with the University’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements. More information about the requirements can be found on the University of Chicago Vaccination GoForward .
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Staff 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.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

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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