Predoctoral Associate (field-based)- Development Innovation Lab- Field

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Predoctoral Associate (field-based)

The Development Innovation Lab (DIL) uses the tools of economics to develop innovations of practical use in developing countries. By bringing together experts in different fields and working closely with nonprofit organizations, firms and governments in developing countries, we can simultaneously advance knowledge and generate solutions to development challenges which can reach hundreds of millions of people.

Position Description

DIL is seeking between 2-5 full-time 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 field 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. 

Please note this role will likely be based in one of the following countries: Colombia, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Peru, India, Rwanda, Kenya or Nigeria. We may hire individuals to be based in other countries depending on project needs. While candidate preferences will be considered, we will make an offer for a base location depending on project needs. Accordingly, 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 experiments 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.
  • Conducts other relevant administrative tasks, as needed.
  • Ensures compliance with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.

Required Qualifications

Education

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

Qualifications

  • 1-2 years of relevant research experience, which may include experience while in school (preferred).
  • 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.
  • Knowledge of mathematics and statistics (strong preference for candidates with GRE scores above 165).
  • 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.
  • Excellent data management, cleaning, and analysis skills or demonstrated interest in learning those skills.
  • Familiarity with Stata, R, and SurveyCTO/ODK (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, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
  • Fluency in English and other context-relevant languages.

Working Conditions

  • Candidates must be flexible and able to travel extensively across the project country as per the requirement of their assignment(s)
  • Possible travel to the United States 
  • Through the EoR, we are able to support work authorization in Colombia, and Mexico. Final employment is contingent upon legal authorization to work in-country, based on local visa and work authorization requirements and approvals. 

Expected Start Date: 6/15/2025

Application Documents

  • Resume/CV (required)
  • Cover Letter (required)
  • Writing sample (required)
  • Academic transcript (required)
  • References Contact Information (3 required)

Job Description: Predoctoral Associate (field-based) Job Description.pdf