Research Specialist

DepartmentSSD: Economics-Staff and Temporary Employees-The Normal LabAbout the DepartmentFor more than a century, the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics has been a global leader in economic research and education. Our distinguished faculty have earned numerous prestigious awards, including more Nobel Prizes and John Bates Clark Medals in economics than any other university. Many of our faculty are also esteemed members of the National Academy of Sciences, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the Econometric Society, reflecting the department's enduring impact on the field.Job SummaryThe 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.ResponsibilitiesDevelop 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 QualificationsEducation: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 QualificationsEducation: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 CompetenciesWork 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 DocumentsCover 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 FamilyResearchRole ImpactIndividual ContributorScheduled Weekly Hours37.5Drug Test RequiredNoHealth Screen RequiredNoMotor Vehicle Record Inquiry RequiredNoPay Rate TypeSalaryFLSA StatusExemptPay Range$50, $64,900.00The 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 EligibleYesThe 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 theBenefits Guidebook.Posting StatementThe 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 theUniversity's Notice of Nondiscrimination.Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call or submit a request viaApplicant 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.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:. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.