About the organization

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.

About the role:

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 researcher manager will work with DIL’s lead researchers to manage a portfolio of projects. 

Responsibilities

Work closely with Lead Researchers and DIL Directors to: 

● Oversee the research process, including supervising data collection activities for DIL projects, conducting qualitative research, desk research, and quantitative analysis to inform research design, and ensuring rigorous research quality 

● Manage project operations and administration for their projects. Responsibilities may include IRB, new proposal development, contracting, budgeting, donor reporting and communication, grants management, and project finance.

● Lead communications with DIL partners; write proposals and other research outputs 

● Build research work programs and track progress against them

● Manage DIL staff including Research Professionals and Research Associates; recruit and train new DIL staff 

● Manage high-level relationships with DIL partners including governments, non-profit organizations, and donors; develop new research collaborations for the organization 

● Provide input on cross-cutting lab activities or DIL public goods as required

Qualifications

●     Bachelor’s Degree in economics, public policy, or a related field by the start of the position.

●     Knowledge of and experience with field work in developing countries

●     Experience conducting research including managing research teams

●     Minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience 

Preferred Qualifications

●     Experience conducting randomized control trials.

●     Experience managing or creating project budgets

●     Graduate level training in economics and econometrics

●     Work experience in countries where DIL has an expanding research portfolio (Kenya, India, Uganda, Nigeria, Colombia, Peru, Dominican Republic)

Behavioral Requirements

●     Excellent organizational skills and high-level of attention to detail

●     Strong cross-cultural communication skills 

Working Conditions

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