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 full-time postdoctoral scholars to lead and contribute to work with the Faculty Director (Michael Kremer) and other researchers on development economics research projects. We expect the postdoctoral role to be a one-year position.

Previous one-year postdocs with DIL have launched successful research projects in collaboration with the Faculty Director and others before transitioning to academic positions at other institutions.

Responsibilities

  • Under the direction of Faculty Director Michael Kremer, conduct research in the field of development economics. Research priorities will be set in conversation with the Faculty Director.
  • The postdocs will provide input on cross-cutting lab activities or DIL public goods as required

Minimum Qualifications

  • PhD in economics or related field by the start of the position.
  • PhD level training in the methods of economics.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience leading or running randomized control trials.
  • Knowledge of and experience with field work in developing countries.

Preferred competencies

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Working Conditions

  • Postdoctoral scholar positions are based in Chicago, IL. Additionally, candidates must be willing to travel flexibly as needed for their respective responsibilities including for field research.

Application Documents – Please submit your application materials here

  • Resume/CV (required)
  • Cover Letter (required)
  • References Contact Information (3)(required)
  • Job Market Paper (required)

Salary & Benefits

  • Pay Range: $82,000 – $85,000
    • The included range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
  • This position is benefits-eligible, and information regarding benefits is available here.

Review of applications will begin on February 1, 2026, and continue until the positions are filled or the search has closed.

Start Date: July 1, 2026 (with some flexibility)

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
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 773-834-3988 or email equalopportunity@uchicago.edu with their request.