Research Manager

Department

SSD Development Economics Center:
Staff and Temporary Employees

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.

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.

• 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. Guide data collection, evaluation and analysis for DIL development economics projects.
• Conduct literature reviews.
• Review 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.
• Organize research events such as seminars.
• Solve 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.
• Guide data collection, evaluation and analysis. Design and manage databases. Write reports, articles and manuscripts.
• Perform other related work as needed.

• 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.

• Education:
  
  Bachelors degree.
• Experience:
  
  5+ years of relevant work experience; internship experience may count toward 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).

• 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.

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

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.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call  or submit a request via the Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case‑by‑case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.