Full Time Research Assistant

natl bueau of econ•Cambridge, MA

25d•Onsite

About The Position

Zarek Brot and Joshua Gottlieb are seeking a full-time predoctoral research assistant based at the University of Chicago starting Summer 2027. The assistant will work closely with both principal investigators on new and ongoing research on the economics of the health care industry. Topics may include health care billing hassles and prior authorization, returns to scale in health care production, antitrust concerns involving health care provider mergers and acquisitions, and physician labor markets. The role includes managing and cleaning large datasets, conducting econometric analyses, contributing to literature reviews and background research, and helping prepare manuscripts and presentation slides. The assistant will interact frequently with faculty and graduate student collaborators and may attend campus seminars. The appointment is for one year, with the possibility of renewal for one additional year based on performance. Applicants who could work for two years are strongly preferred. The ideal candidate will be completing or have completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree in economics, public policy, education, statistics, computer science, mathematics, or a related field. Candidates should have strong quantitative and programming skills, an excellent academic record, a long-term interest in economics research, and some research experience, such as independent research or work as a research assistant. Familiarity with economics and econometrics is recommended but not required. Candidates with strong technical backgrounds who want more exposure to economics are encouraged to apply. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Short-listed applicants will complete a technical exercise and may be invited to an interview. Applicants must submit a single PDF containing a cover letter, CV, relevant transcripts, and, if available, an original research paper or writing sample, as well as an original coding sample. A recommendation letter from one of the listed references is also requested.

Requirements

Completing or have completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree in economics, public policy, education, statistics, computer science, mathematics, or a related field.
Strong quantitative background.
Strong programming skills, including the ability to effectively integrate new AI tools into coding where helpful.
Long-term interest in pursuing research in economics.
Excellent academic record.
Some prior research experience, including independent work such as an undergraduate or master’s thesis and/or work as a research assistant.