Research Specialist

Department
 

SSD: Economics - Staff and Temporary Employees

About the Department
 

For over a century, the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics has been recognized as one of the world's leading centers for economic research and education. The Department's faculty have received numerous awards, including more Nobel Prize laureates and John Bates Clark medalists in economics than any other university. Among our faculty are many members of the National Academy of Sciences, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the Econometric Society.

Job Summary
 

The Research Specialist will work directly under the supervision of Professor Leonardo Bursztyn to make important contributions to research projects in the area of behavioral economics, political economy and development economics. This includes topics such as the role of social norms and social pressure in decision-making, and social interactions and identity. The Research Specialist will also have the opportunity to be part of the vibrant research environment of the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics at The University of Chicago. 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 2022.

Responsibilities

• Develops code to analyze micro data sets. Coding will be done in Stata, R or equivalent statistical package.
• Helps design, launch, and analyze field experiments and online experiments.
• The position will demand close collaboration on a number of new and ongoing projects.
• Assists in the identification and preparation of grant applications.
• Conducts independent problem-solving with high-level directional advice.
• Fully informed on the latest developments in the relevant research areas and present findings effectively and articulately.
• Assists faculty to identity, assess, and organize information addressing research goals.
• Helps coordinate a small team of undergraduate RAs.
• Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project.
• Installs, sets up and performs experiments; interacting with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigator.
• 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:

---

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in economics, development, public policy, statistics or related field by start date.
• 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 Skills or Knowledge:

• Knowledge of Stata, Python, and/or R.
• Proficiency in Excel and Latex.

Preferred Competencies

• Works 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.
• Balance multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in order to meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced working environment.
• Works efficiently with minimal supervision.
• Excellent organizational skills and high attention to detail.
• Strong interest in development economics.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• Two Academic References (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

COVID-19 Vaccination or Approved Medical or Religious Exemption Required
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Posting Statement
 

Effective October 15, 2021, the University of Chicago requires COVID vaccination for all students, faculty, and staff members. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons.
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.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

Department
 

SSD: Economics - Staff and Temporary Employees

About the Department
 

For over a century, the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics has been recognized as one of the world's leading centers for economic research and education. The Department's faculty have received numerous awards, including more Nobel Prize laureates and John Bates Clark medalists in economics than any other university. Among our faculty are many members of the National Academy of Sciences, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the Econometric Society.

Job Summary
 

The Research Specialist will work directly under the supervision of Professor Leonardo Bursztyn to make important contributions to research projects in the area of behavioral economics, political economy and development economics. This includes topics such as the role of social norms and social pressure in decision-making, and social interactions and identity. The Research Specialist will also have the opportunity to be part of the vibrant research environment of the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics at The University of Chicago. 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 2022.

Responsibilities

• Develops code to analyze micro data sets. Coding will be done in Stata, R or equivalent statistical package.
• Helps design, launch, and analyze field experiments and online experiments.
• The position will demand close collaboration on a number of new and ongoing projects.
• Assists in the identification and preparation of grant applications.
• Conducts independent problem-solving with high-level directional advice.
• Fully informed on the latest developments in the relevant research areas and present findings effectively and articulately.
• Assists faculty to identity, assess, and organize information addressing research goals.
• Helps coordinate a small team of undergraduate RAs.
• Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project.
• Installs, sets up and performs experiments; interacting with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigator.
• 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:

---

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in economics, development, public policy, statistics or related field by start date.
• 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 Skills or Knowledge:

• Knowledge of Stata, Python, and/or R.
• Proficiency in Excel and Latex.

Preferred Competencies

• Works 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.
• Balance multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in order to meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced working environment.
• Works efficiently with minimal supervision.
• Excellent organizational skills and high attention to detail.
• Strong interest in development economics.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• Two Academic References (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

COVID-19 Vaccination or Approved Medical or Religious Exemption Required
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Posting Statement
 

Effective October 15, 2021, the University of Chicago requires COVID vaccination for all students, faculty, and staff members. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons.
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.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.