Predoctoral Associate -Development Innovation Lab- India

Development Innovation Lab

Job Description

Title: Predoctoral Associate (India) 

Reports to: Lead Researcher or Research Manager

About DIL 

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.

Position Description

DIL is seeking Predoctoral Associates to collaborate on new and ongoing research in development economics. Successful applicants will be based in project locations and work closely with Principal Investigators (PIs) at the Development Innovation Lab (DIL) at the University of Chicago, including Professor Michael Kremer, Nobel laureate and DIL Faculty Director to design and implement research projects. The ideal candidate is passionate about conducting research in development economics. We are open to candidates with education and training in non-economics fields who demonstrate interest in development research. 

The Predoctoral role offers training and mentorship for candidates with an interest in pursuing doctoral programs in economics and/or related fields. Predoctoral associates will have an opportunity to engage with important development stakeholders (including DIL’s government partners), understand public programs in these sectors, and work with different data sources. The role is designed to aid pre-doctoral associates in their preparation for a Phd but also offers valuable exposure in case they choose to pursue a different professional path at the end of the position. 

Predoctoral associates will have the option to spend some time at the University of Chicago in the United States, where they will gain exposure to the development economics community. 

Formal employment will be through an in-country employer of record (“EoR) under contract with DIL. Additional details regarding salary, benefits and terms and conditions of employment offered by the EoR will be provided to individuals during the hiring process.

Responsibilities

● Supports the design and implementation of research under the direction of the PI.

● Lead data quality assurance efforts for studies

● Collects, records and analyzes data from field activities. 

● Develop new projects in partnership with the PI and Lead Researchers at the Lab

● Manage relationships with partner organizations

● Conducts literature reviews.

● Participates in writing reports and manuscripts.

● Ensures compliance with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.

● Trains and oversees the work of research support personnel.

● Transcribes and codes data; develops data collection instruments.

● Presents research findings at staff meetings, seminars, and scientific conferences.

● Assists with building databases.

● Recruits and schedules research subjects.

● Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project.

● Conducting other relevant administrative tasks, as needed.

Required Qualifications

Education

● A bachelor’s or master’s degree in Economics, Public Policy, Engineering, Environment Policy or Science or another field relevant to project needs. 

Experience:

● A minimum of one to two years of relevant research experience, which may include experience while in school.

● Experience working, studying, or spending significant time in developing countries or strong demonstrated interest in doing so.

● Strong demonstrated interest in the development sector. 

● Knowledge of research techniques and methods in relevant scientific fields.

● Excellent data management, cleaning, and analysis skills or demonstrated interest in learning those skills. 

Preferred Qualifications

● Knowledge of impact evaluations, particularly, randomized controlled trials (preferred).

● Previous experience conducting development economics research as a Research Associate or similar role or, alternatively, technical skills (coding, analysis, and theory) with strong motivation to learn how to conduct field-based research in development economics.

● Familiarity with Stata, R, and Survey CTO is preferred.

Competencies

● Excellent management and organizational skills along with strong quantitative skills.

● Flexible, self-motivating, able to manage multiple tasks efficiently, and a team player.

● Strong communication, and presentation skills.

● Knowledge of research techniques and methods in relevant scientific fields.

● Knowledge of impact evaluations, particularly, randomized controlled trials.

● Excellent data management, cleaning, and analysis skills. Familiarity with Stata, R, and Survey CTO is preferred.

● Fluency in English. Proficiency in other Indian languages and language spoken in project location preferred.

Working Conditions

● Positions will be based in the relevant project location. Current project locations are: Bhubaneshwar, Vijayawada, Delhi, Bangalore. Base will be determined based on project needs. 

● Travel to the United States

● Candidates must be flexible and able to travel extensively across India as per the requirement of their assignments.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in India.  

Application Documents

● Resume/CV (required)

● Cover Letter (required)

● References Contact Information (3 required)

The anticipated start date for this position is between October 2024  and February 2025. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.    

Priority deadline for this role is September 30th. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. 

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