Research Manager - Development Innovation Lab - University of Chicago

Deadline: March 17. We have started reviewing applications for this position and will continue to do so on a rolling basis. We encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible. 

About the Trust 

The University of Chicago Trust (the Trust) is a charitable trust in India, established in 2008 by alumnus of The University of Chicago. The objectives of the UChicago Trust are to provide opportunities for grants to support agriculture, water, or educational programs, research programs and activities for the betterment of India. 

The Development Innovation Lab - India (DIL-India), based at the University of Chicago Trust in India, brings researchers in different fields together with Indian government entities, firms, and non-profits to use the tools of economics to identify, test, refine and scale interventions with the potential to benefit millions of people in India. 

Position Description 

The Trust and DIL-India are seeking a full-time Research Manager to support development economics research projects in India led by Michael Kremer and other researchers. The Research Manager will contribute to DIL-India’s agriculture, water, or education-related research projects but will also support other projects in DIL-India’s fast-growing portfolio of research. 

We are looking for a candidate with a sound understanding of economics and statistics and having experience conducting and managing field-based research projects in India. Candidates should be ideally based in Delhi but could be working from any other major city in India with frequent travel to Delhi. Candidates must also be flexible to travel extensively across India as per the requirement of their assignment(s). Candidates should be able to start working by April 2023 (Preferably March 2023). This is a position at the Trust in India and is a full-time position for one year with possibility for renewal. 

Responsibilities 

• Manage high-level research relationships with DIL-India partners including governments, non-profit organizations, and donors; develop new research collaborations for the organization 

• Supervise research and data collection activities for DIL-India projects 

• Conduct qualitative research, desk research, and quantitative analysis to inform research design 

• Lead communications with DIL-India partners; write proposals and other research outputs 

• Build research work programs and track progress against them 

• Manage DIL-India research staff including Research Professionals and Research Associates; recruit and train new DIL-India staff as needed for program success. 

• Manage research project implementation. including new proposal development, contracting, budgeting, donor reporting and communication, and grants management tasks associated with research needs. 

• Provide input on cross-cutting lab activities or DIL-India public goods as required. 

Required Qualifications 

• Master’s Degree in economics, public policy, or a related field by the start of the position

• Knowledge of and experience with field work in developing countries • Experience conducting research including managing research teams • A strong track record of managing complex, fast-moving programs.

• Strong attention to detail. 

• Ability to work independently and problem-solve, as well as enlist the support of other teams within the organization. 

• Strong written and oral communication skills. 

• Fluent in English both orally and in writing. 

• Applicant must be legally authorized to work in India 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Fluency in Hindi 

• Experience running randomized control trials 

• Graduate-level training in economics and econometrics 

• Knowledge of the Indian education system or the water or agricultural sector (Preferred) 

Behavioral Qualifications 

• Ability to prioritize effectively and successfully handle multiple projects simultaneously 

Applicants must be willing to travel extensively and flexibly within India as needed for their respective responsibilities. 

Please contact Leni Chaudhuri at [email protected] with any questions regarding this position. Submit applications here. 

Application Materials: Resume/CV, Cover Letter, Professional References