Principal Researcher

About the Department

The Becker Friedman Institute for Economics serves as a hub for cutting‑edge analysis and research across the University of Chicago economics community, bringing together researchers from the Booth School of Business, the Kenneth

C. Griffin Department of Economics, the Harris School of Public Policy, and the Law School to uncover new ways of thinking about economics and translate rigorous research into accessible, relevant formats for decision‑makers worldwide.

The Principal Researcher role provides a supportive research environment to a highly qualified recent PhD. In collaboration with BFI Deputy Director Chad Syverson, the Principal Researcher will pursue research on leading‑edge themes in the study of economics in an area that reflects the candidate’s research interests. The Principal Researcher is expected to attach themselves to one of the seminar series on campus as a regular attendee and to meet with speakers.

• Conduct collaborative research with faculty to be presented at academic forums and published in peer‑reviewed academic journals.
• Collect data and perform statistical analysis.
• Conduct literature reviews and perform research.
• Use subject matter and best‑practice knowledge to perform lab and/or research‑related duties and tasks; work independently to assist with project design.
• Guide data collection, evaluation, and analysis; design and manage databases; write reports, articles, and manuscripts.
• Perform other related work as needed.

• College or university degree in a related field.

• Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5‑7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

• ABD status by start date.
• PhD preferred by start date in a field relevant to the research being conducted.
• PhD after one year of employment.
• Five years of relevant research experience (research experience gained in school counts toward this requirement).
• Proficiency in Python and other related software, such as MATLAB, R, Julia, SQL, and data analysis/optimization libraries.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
• Work independently.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Resume/CV (required)
• Transcripts, unofficial transcripts accepted (required)
• Two professional references contact information (required)

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

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 773‑702‑5800 or submit a request via 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.