Senior Research Associate

The University of Chicago•Chicago, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Chicago’s Development Innovation Lab (DIL) and the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics invites applications for a non-tenure track Senior Research Associate position, with a focus on Development Economics and Mathematics. The position will be a two-year, renewable appointment that will begin on October 1, 2026, or soon thereafter. 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 Senior Research Associate (SRA) will be the research lead for weather forecasting at DIL. They will work closely with the faculty Director (Michael Kremer) on large-scale human centered weather forecasting initiatives. The SRA will help lead the Lab’s work to develop, adapt, and validate scalable weather forecasting innovations to inform agricultural decision-making. Examples of research projects might include Human-Centered Weather Forecasting in Indonesia, India, and Ethiopia. The SRA will also help apply for grants and secure funds for research and will be responsible for both fundraising and for overseeing project budgets. The SRA might be responsible for overseeing junior staff. The position is based in Chicago. This position is benefits-eligible. 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. Review of applications will begin 30 days after the posting date and will continue until the position is filled. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Requirements

Ph.D. in mathematics or related field.
Prior to the start of employment, qualified applicants must possess a Ph.D. in mathematics or related field.

Nice To Haves

A strong early-career research record in development economics and weather forecasting, including publications and working papers in progress.
Postdoctoral or equivalent research experience developing and validating statistical and/or forecasting methodology.
Experience applying quantitative methods to development contexts, and translating them into applied forecasting work with policy or field partners.
Demonstrated ability to communicate research findings clearly to technical and non-technical audiences through oral presentations and written work.
Experience designing and overseeing large-scale forecasting efforts, including methods deployed in operational or real-world settings.
A record of methodological contributions to the design and evaluation of weather forecasts.
Demonstrated success developing models that have been adopted by government agencies or international organizations.

Responsibilities

Be the research lead for weather forecasting at DIL.
Work closely with the faculty Director (Michael Kremer) on large-scale human centered weather forecasting initiatives.
Lead the Lab’s work to develop, adapt, and validate scalable weather forecasting innovations to inform agricultural decision-making.
Help apply for grants and secure funds for research.
Be responsible for fundraising and for overseeing project budgets.
Oversee junior staff.