Research Manager

Department

SSD Development Economics Center: Staff and Temporary Employees

About the Department

The Development Innovation Lab at the University of Chicago uses the tools of economics to develop innovations with the potential to benefit millions of people in low- and middle-income countries. It was founded and is led by Nobel laureate Michael Kremer.

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)

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

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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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.

Posting Statement

The 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 the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

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