Research & Policy Lead

Overview

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.

The job leads and provides expertise to the development of programs for 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. The Development Innovation Lab (DIL) at the University of Chicago is seeking a full-time Research and Policy Lead to contribute to development economics research and policy projects across the Lab.

Research priorities will be set in conversation with the Faculty Director and DIL senior leadership.

• Work closely with the Faculty Director, DIL leaders, and research collaborators to identify and develop new research projects and manage existing projects.
• Collaborate and coordinate with researchers on joint research efforts and cross-cutting initiatives.
• Perform advanced data analysis and provide scientific expertise to support research objectives.
• Lead fundraising efforts by identifying and cultivating relationships with potential donors, foundations, and funding organizations to secure financial support for organizational initiatives.
• Train, supervise, and support DIL research staff conducting research, including up to 3-6 Research Professionals, Predoctoral Associates or postdoctoral scholars.
• Investigate, modify, and apply new procedures, techniques, and technological applications to advance research capabilities.
• Establish research goals, operating procedures, and guidelines to ensure successful project execution.
• Substantially contribute to research publications, protocols, and grant proposals.
• Facilitate and promote advanced research projects by providing scientific and intellectual input.
• Oversee data collection activities and manage complex datasets for research and policy projects.
• Serve as a resource for data collection and analytical processes.
• Work closely with the Faculty Director and DIL Leaders to support and develop DIL’s policy work in countries of operation.
• Manage partnerships relevant to DIL's policy work and provide analytical support to policy work.
• Incubate and develop new initiatives (such as weather or education policy) which require knowledge of economic theory and advanced economics training.
• Contribute to cross-lab and Lab priorities such as research and policy staff hiring, organization of research and policy events, and other activities as assigned.
• Mentor junior research and policy staff members.
• Build and maintain relationships crucial to organizational success and research advancement.
• Provide specialized research support to and reviews for the Weiss Fund for Research in Development Economics.
• Provide expertise to researchers on compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives and mandates.
• Provide expertise to researchers and research support staff. Oversees activities related to data collection and analysis.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Education: College or university degree in a related field.

Work Experience: 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications: ---

Education:

• PhD in economics or related field.
• PhD level training in the methods of economics.

Experience:

• Knowledge of and experience running randomized control trials.
• Prior experience working on randomized evaluations, development economics research, and/or public policy in developing countries.
• Proven record of writing and publishing rigorous evaluations.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational, time, and project management skills, with the proven ability to work under…