Research Professional: Development Innovation Lab at University of Chicago
AdminApplication Deadline: Rolling Basis
Start Date: July 1, 2026
Location: Chicago, IL
Position Overview
Full-time Research Professional position with Nobel laureate economist Michael Kremer at the Development Innovation Lab.
Institution: University of Chicago, Development Innovation Lab Supervisor: Professor Michael Kremer (Nobel Prize in Economics 2019) Location: Hyde Park Campus, Saieh Hall Salary: $55,000-$62,000 + $2,000 professional development fund Duration: 1-2 years Start Date: July 1, 2026 Openings: Multiple positions available Benefits: Eligible (full-time position)
Job Summary
Work with Professor Michael Kremer and possibly other faculty on research in development economics. All stages of research involvement from data collection to publication. Support cutting-edge development economics research.
Key Responsibilities
Research Support (15%):
- Perform complex lab and research-related duties
- Work under limited direction on substantive tasks
Data Collection (15%):
- Develop data collection instruments
- Train and oversee research support personnel
- Monitor data quality
- Work with tabular and spatial data formats
Data Analysis (15%):
- Collect, record, and analyze data
- Build, manage, and maintain project databases
- Develop algorithms for data cleaning and organization
- Conduct statistical analyses and simulations
Writing & Documentation (10%):
- Conduct literature reviews
- Help write reports, manuscripts, and documents
- Prepare presentations
Experimental Support (15%):
- Design and implement experiments
- Interact with research subjects
- Work with laboratory staff under principal investigator direction
- Run simulations
Project Management (10%):
- Ensure project compliance with policies and procedures
- Maintain administrative oversight
- Monitor project requirements and mandates
Dissemination (5%):
- Present findings at staff meetings
- Participate in seminars
- Present at scientific conferences
Other Duties (10%):
- Technical and administrative project support
- Other related work as needed
Required Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor's degree from accredited institution
Experience:
- Minimum 1 year work experience in related field
- Coursework experience counts toward this requirement
Preferred Qualifications
Education & Training:
- Strong undergraduate training in Economics and Mathematics
- Top institution background
- Advanced coursework in Economics or Mathematics
Experience:
- Relevant research experience
- Experience in developing countries (working, studying, or extended time)
- Field research background
- Impact evaluation experience
Technical Skills:
- Mathematics and statistics knowledge (as indicated by coursework and GRE)
- Strong preference for quantitative GRE score above 167
- Knowledge of impact evaluation research methods
- Randomized controlled trials (RCT) experience
- Programming and data management skills
Competencies:
- Strong written and verbal communication
- Manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
- Work independently and collaboratively
- Excellent organization and attention to detail
- Problem-solving ability
- Research methods expertise
Working Conditions
- Mostly indoor office work (Saieh Hall, Hyde Park Campus)
- Independent work for extended periods (8+ hours)
- Extended travel for field work
- Willing travel requirement (must be flexible)
- Potential for international field research
Who Should Apply
- Recent college graduates with quantitative background
- Economics or mathematics majors
- Those interested in development economics
- Candidates seeking PhD preparation
- Researchers passionate about global development
- Those with field research experience
- International development practitioners
- Candidates interested in evidence-based policy
How to Apply
Submit via: University of Chicago online application system
Required Documents:
- Resume/CV
- Cover Letter
- Contact information for 3 professional references
Review Process: Rolling basis (applications reviewed continuously)
Start Date: July 1, 2026
Career Development
This position provides:
- Work with Nobel laureate researcher
- Rigorous development economics training
- Cutting-edge research experience
- Field research opportunities
- Publication and presentation experience
- Preparation for PhD programs
- Networking with leading researchers
- Access to development economics community
About Professor Michael Kremer
- 2019 Nobel Prize in Economics
- Leading development economist
- Pioneer in randomized controlled trials (RCTs)
- Focus on education and innovation in developing countries
- Global influence on evidence-based development policy
- Mentor to many successful researchers
Benefits Package
Salary & Compensation:
- $55,000-$62,000 annual
- $2,000 professional development fund
Benefits Eligible:
- Full-time position with university benefits
- Health insurance
- Retirement benefits
- Professional development support
- Tuition benefits
