Department
SSD Development Economics Center: Staff and Temporary Employees

Job Summary
DIL is seeking a full-time Research Manager to work with the faculty director (Michael Kremer) and other researchers on development economics research projects.

The Research Manager will work with DIL's lead researchers, the Director, Research Management, and the Faculty Director to manage research and build out the Lab's research systems.

The job manages scientific research projects or scientific research facilities. Uses considerable on-the-job experience to ensure compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies. Works independently to write articles, reports and manuscripts, and presents research findings at meetings and/or conferences.

Responsibilities

• Implement DIL's research in development economics, ensuring high-quality data collection across projects.
• In partnership with Lead Researchers, co-develop and manage a small portfolio of development economics research projects. Guides data collection, evaluation and analysis for DIL development economics projects.
• Conducts literature reviews.
• Reviewing research ethics (IRB) applications.
• Manage junior research staff such as Research Professionals to ensure effective implementation of DIL research.
• Manage and mentor DIL research staff including Research Professionals and Research Associates; recruit and train new DIL research staff.
• Lead research communications with DIL partners and internal stakeholders.
• Manage high-level research partnerships with DIL partners including governments, non-profit organizations, and donors.
• Develop and manage research project budgets and track project finances.
• Advise teams on effective project budgeting and build budgeting tools for teams.
• Build the Lab's internal research project management systems and processes; use AI to automate and improve workflows.
• Identify and recruit top research talent globally; design processes that do so.
• Organizing research events such as seminars.
• Solves complex problems relating to the administration of projects, including planning new procedures, adapting existing procedures to the needs of the project, and making significant contributions to methodology.
• Guides data collection, evaluation and analysis. Designs and manages databases. Writes reports, articles and manuscripts.
• 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 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelors degree.

Experience:

• 5+ years of relevant work experience; internship experience may count towards this requirement.
• Experience conducting randomized control trials.
• Demonstrated experience managing or creating project budgets.
• Graduate level training in economics and econometrics.
• Work experience in countries where DIL has research projects (Kenya, India, Rwanda, Uganda, Nigeria, Colombia, Peru, Dominican Republic).

Preferred Competencies

• Excellent organizational skills, written communication, and high-level of attention to detail.
• Strong cross-cultural communication skills.
• Knowledge of and experience with field work in developing countries.
• Experience conducting research including managing research teams.
• Exposure to randomized control trials.
• Undergraduate training in economics and econometrics.

Working Conditions

• Candidates must be willing to travel extensively and flexibly as needed for their respective responsibilities.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• Contact Information for Professional References (3) (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

Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5

Drug Test Required
No

Health Screen Required
No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No

Pay Rate Type
Salary

FLSA Status
Exempt

Pay Range
$73,000.00 - $95,000.00
The 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 Eligible
Yes
The 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 the Benefits Guidebook.