Associate Research Manager

About the Department

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.

Job Summary

DIL is seeking a full-time Associate Research Manager to work with the faculty director (Michael Kremer) and other researchers on development economics research projects.

The Associate Research Manager will work with DIL’s lead researchers, Director, Research Management, and the Faculty Director to manage research and help build the Lab’s research systems.

Responsibilities
Work closely with Lead Researchers and Director, Research Management to:

Coordinate core research management activities:

  • Manage research workflows for the Lab. Responsibilities may include coordinating research staff hiring, research proposal processes and conducting quality assurance reviews on research deliverables, and reviewing research progress.
  • Applies research principles and relevant subject matter knowledge relevant to administer a research project. With a moderate level of direction, manages lab and/or research-related duties and tasks. Helps develop, design and conduct research projects according to plan.
  • Supervise data collection activities for DIL projects, conducting qualitative research, desk research, and quantitative analysis to inform research design, and ensuring rigorous research quality
  • Supports data collection and analytical needs of research projects. Conducts literature reviews and helps write reports and manuscripts.
  • Assist with DIL recruitment processes including helping to identify top research talent globally and co-design processes that do so.
  • Support research communications with DIL partners and internal stakeholders; draft proposals and other outputs
  • Manage and mentor DIL research staff including Research Professionals and Research Associates
  • Support high-level relationships with DIL partners including governments, non-profit organizations, and donors; assist with the development of new research collaborations for the organization
  • Review IRB applications ; provide guidance to teams on the IRB process
  • Coordinate a small portfolio of development economics research projects, in close coordination with the Director, Research Management
  • Takes responsibility for the following non-laboratory duties: transcribing and coding data; developing data collection instruments; presenting research; and recruiting and scheduling research subjects. Acquires higher-level skills and knowledge in the process

Operations and Administration Administration:

  • Support the development and management of research project budgets and track project finances
  • Advise teams on effective project budgeting and build budgeting tools for teams
  • Support the Lab’s internal research project management systems and processes; use AI to automate and improve workflows

Public Goods & Other Duties:

  • Provide input on cross-cutting lab activities or DIL public goods as required including organizing research events such as seminars

Qualifications

Education

  • Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Experience

  • Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Competencies

  • Excellent organizational skills, written communication, and high-level of attention to detail
  • Strong cross-cultural communication skills
  • Knowledge of field work in developing countries, experience in developing country setting preferred
  • Experience conducting research including coordinating research teams preferred

Preferred Qualifications

  • 2-5 years of relevant work experience; internship experience may count towards this requirement
  • Exposure to randomized control trials.
  • Demonstrated experience managing or creating project budgets
  • Graduate level training in economics and econometrics
  • Work experience in countries where DIL has a research project (Kenya, India, Rwanda, Uganda, Nigeria, Colombia, Peru, Dominican Republic)

Working Conditions

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

Application Documents (Required)

  • Resume/CV
  • Cover Letter
  • Contact Information for Professional References (3)

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