Research Specialist

Department
 

SSD: Economics - Staff and Temporary Employees

About the Department
 

The Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics proposes to undertake the Economics for Everyone Media Initiative, a multi-pronged educational initiative designed to reach large audiences, both in the United States and abroad. Building on the “Chicago Economics” that has helped to define the University of Chicago’s culture of rigor, intellectual curiosity, and public-facing discussion of economic principles, the activities seek to cultivate a broader public understanding of the contemporary world through basic principles of economics. These activities begin with “Economics for Everyone (E4E),” our popular undergraduate course and would expand to include the development of other courses, edu-tainment, and alternative media for disseminating an awareness of the power and vigor of economic thought. These activities will not only put economic principles within reach of a broader public, but they will also mark Chicago Economics as a distinctive and highly visible educator and advocate for economics and its principles.

Job Summary
 

The Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics at the University of Chicago has an opening for a Research Specialist (RS) to lead with a strong background in research and a passion for social impact. The Research Specialist will support economics projects related to the Economics for Everyone Media Initiative. This position requires a commitment of at least one year.

Responsibilities

• Works closely to implement all aspects of the Economics for Everyone Media Initiative, including: Contribute to writing, proofreading, and fact-checking all promotional materials and website creation associated with E4E.
• Creates PowerPoint presentations.
• Assists with the roll-out of the E4E Media Initiative at the college and high school level, including outreach coordination.
• Installs, sets up and perform experiments surrounding the topic of E4E; interacting with students and other staff under the direction of faculty.
• Constructs figures and tables for economics papers.
• Conducts literature reviews in economics and statistics.
• Identifies new data sources.
• Coordinates and provide updates on E4E research projects at team meetings and helps write the annual research summary for the donor.
• Ensures adherence to quality standards, responsible for IRB protocols and review project deliverables.
• Recommends and take action to identify solutions to research related problems.
• Interacts with Executive Administrator, Digital Media Manager, Associate Sr. Instructional Professor and other team members to assist them with their E4E research and instruction.
• Follows up with tasks and goals as assigned.
• Analyzes and maintains data and/or specimens. Conducts literature reviews. Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.
• 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:

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.

Experience:

• Working in a research environment.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Proficient in Word, PowerPoint, Excel.

Preferred Competencies

• Analytical skills.
• Attention to detail. 
• Verbal and written communication skills. 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Application Documents

• Cover Letter (required)
• Resume (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
 

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.

 

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.