Applications are open for the Research Professional position at the Development Innovation Lab (DIL) at the University of Chicago’s Becker Friedman Institute for Economics.
This full-time, benefits-eligible opportunity is based in Chicago, Illinois, and offers an annual salary of $59,000 to $62,000, plus a $2,000 professional development fund.
The Development Innovation Lab is seeking multiple Research Professionals to contribute to new and ongoing research in development economics. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to work with Professor Michael Kremer, a Nobel Laureate, and potentially other faculty members involved in the lab’s research activities.
The position is expected to begin in Summer 2027, with candidates sought for a commitment of at least one year and, ideally, two years. For graduates interested in economics, mathematics, statistics, public policy, international development and impact evaluation, this could provide valuable hands-on research experience.
About the Development Innovation Lab
The Development Innovation Lab uses the tools of economics to develop innovations with the potential to benefit millions of people living in low- and middle-income countries.
Founded and led by Professor Michael Kremer, the lab conducts research aimed at generating evidence and developing solutions to major development challenges. Through its partnership with the Becker Friedman Institute, DIL brings together researchers and supports rigorous work across different areas of development economics.
Research Professionals recruited through this opportunity will collaborate on research projects from the early stages of data collection through analysis and the preparation of manuscripts and presentations.
The role offers exposure to the full research process and may be particularly suitable for candidates considering future graduate studies, including PhD programmes in economics and related quantitative disciplines.
What Will the Research Professional Do?
The successful candidates will take on responsibilities spanning several stages of academic and applied research.
A major part of the role involves working with both tabular and spatial data. Research Professionals may collect and organize data, develop algorithms to clean datasets, conduct statistical analyses and run simulations.
Key responsibilities include:
- Supporting complex research-related duties and tasks.
- Supporting data collection activities.
- Developing data collection instruments.
- Training and overseeing research support personnel.
- Monitoring data quality.
- Collecting, recording and analyzing research data.
- Building, managing and maintaining project databases.
- Supporting the analytical needs of research projects.
- Conducting literature reviews.
- Assisting with reports, manuscripts and other research documents.
- Supporting the design and implementation of experiments.
- Interacting with research subjects and laboratory staff when required.
- Supporting compliance with relevant policies and procedures.
- Presenting research findings at staff meetings, seminars and scientific conferences.
- Providing technical and administrative support for research projects.
The position therefore requires a candidate who can combine strong quantitative abilities with organization, communication and the ability to manage multiple research activities.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
The minimum requirements also include knowledge and skills developed through less than two years of work experience in a related discipline.
However, the job description places a strong preference on candidates with excellent academic preparation in quantitative subjects.
Preferred applicants may have:
- Strong undergraduate training in economics.
- Strong academic training in mathematics.
- Relevant research experience.
- Research experience gained during university studies.
- Experience working, studying or spending significant time in developing countries.
Importantly, experience gained while studying can count towards the preferred research experience qualification.
This may make the opportunity particularly attractive to recent graduates and early-career researchers who have developed relevant skills through academic research, internships, research assistantships or university projects.
Strong Quantitative Skills Are Preferred
The Development Innovation Lab is seeking candidates with a strong foundation in mathematics and statistics.
Applicants should be able to demonstrate their quantitative background through relevant coursework and, where applicable, GRE scores.
The position has a strong preference for candidates with quantitative GRE scores above 167, although the application form allows candidates who have not taken the GRE to leave their scores blank. The job announcement notes that shortlisted candidates without GRE scores may be asked to complete a GRE-style quantitative examination during the selection process.
Applicants should also have knowledge of research methods used in impact evaluations, with particular interest in experience related to randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
Preferred competencies include advanced coursework in Economics or Mathematics, strong communication skills, excellent attention to detail and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Technical and Software Skills
The application process asks candidates to identify the software and programming tools they are comfortable using.
Relevant skills include experience with:
- ArcGIS or QGIS.
- General programming languages such as C, C++ or Java.
- HTML and CSS.
- JavaScript.
- Julia.
- LaTeX.
- MATLAB.
- Python.
- R.
- Stata.
- SQL.
- SurveyCTO or ODK.
Applicants are not necessarily required to demonstrate proficiency in every programme listed. However, candidates should clearly indicate the technical skills they possess and ensure that their CV and academic background accurately reflect their experience.
Experience handling datasets, conducting statistical analysis, working with spatial data or supporting field research may be particularly relevant to this role.
Development Economics and Fieldwork Experience
The application also asks candidates about their experience and interest in development economics.
Applicants may indicate whether they have:
- Taken courses in development economics.
- Conducted research on development economics.
- Worked on development economics projects outside academia.
- No previous experience in the field.
Candidates are also asked about experience conducting fieldwork. The application defines fieldwork broadly to include activities such as data collection, focus groups, scoping and project implementation involving field visits, interaction with participants or monitoring project activities.
Experience in developing country settings is also relevant. Applicants may have studied, worked or conducted research in developing countries, or conducted research focused on developing countries.
Salary and Professional Development Support
The selected Research Professionals will receive an annual salary ranging from $59,000 to $62,000.
In addition, the position includes a $2,000 professional development fund.
The role is full-time and benefits eligible, providing candidates with an opportunity to gain structured professional and research experience while contributing to development economics research.
The position is based in Chicago, Illinois, although the working conditions state that successful candidates should be willing to travel extensively and flexibly for fieldwork and other responsibilities.
Candidates should be prepared for extended periods of travel where required by their assigned research projects.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- Resume or CV.
- Cover letter.
- Contact information for three references.
- Writing sample.
- Academic transcripts.
The application also requests detailed information about an applicant’s educational background, academic performance, quantitative coursework, research experience, development economics experience, fieldwork and relevant technical skills.
Candidates are asked to provide a brief description of their experience and interest in development economics, including relevant courses and work performed, as well as a separate short response about an economic issue or topic they are passionate about.
Application Deadline and Timeline
Applications will be reviewed in two rounds.
Round 1
Applications submitted by Sunday, 20 September 2026 will be considered in the first review round.
Round 2
A second round will consider new applications submitted between Monday, 21 September and Sunday, 13 December 2026.
Candidates who submit an application during Round 1 should not reapply during Round 2.
Interested applicants are encouraged to prepare their application materials carefully, particularly their CV, cover letter, academic transcripts and writing sample.
This opportunity provides a strong pathway for aspiring economists and researchers seeking practical experience in development economics, quantitative research, impact evaluation and research involving low- and middle-income countries.
