Research Manager

University of Chicago • Hyde Park, IL

13d • $70,000 - $80,000

About The Position

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. The job participates in scientific research projects. Ensures compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives and mandates. Analyzes possible solutions using standard procedures. Writes articles, reports and manuscripts. Assists in drafting presentations on research findings. 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 researcher manager will work with DIL’s lead researchers to manage a portfolio of projects. This position will end on or before July 30th, 2026, with the possibility of extension.

Requirements

• Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
• Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
• Candidates must be willing to travel extensively and flexibly as needed for their respective responsibilities.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s Degree in economics, public policy, or a related field.
• Graduate level training in economics and econometrics.
• Experience conducting randomized control trials.
• Knowledge of and experience with field work in developing countries.
• Work experience in countries where DIL has an expanding research portfolio (Kenya, India, Uganda, Nigeria, Colombia, Peru, Dominican Republic) is strongly preferred.
• Experience conducting research including managing research teams, and/or creating project budgets.
• Excellent organizational skills and high-level of attention to detail.
• Strong cross-cultural communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the research process, including supervising data collection activities for DIL projects, conducting qualitative research, desk research, and quantitative analysis to inform research design, and ensuring rigorous research quality.
• Manage project operations and administration for their projects. Responsibilities may include Institutional Review Board (IRB), new proposal development, contracting, budgeting, donor reporting and communication, grants management, and project finance.
• Lead communications with DIL partners; write proposals and other research outputs
• Build research work programs and track progress against them.
• Manage DIL staff including Predoctoral Research Professionals, and Research Associates; recruit and train new DIL staff.
• Manage high-level relationships with DIL partners including governments, non-profit organizations, and donors; develop new research collaborations for the organization
• Provide support for cross-cutting lab activities or DIL public goods, such as serving on groups or committees, as required.
• 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.
• Supports data collection and analytical needs of research projects.
• Conducts literature reviews and helps write reports and manuscripts.
• Ensures project compliance with different policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees