Research Manager - DIL

About the department

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.

Job summary

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 Research Manager will work with DIL’s lead researchers, the Director, Research Management, and the Faculty Director to manage research and build out the Lab’s research systems. 

Responsibilities

Work closely with Lead Researchers and Director, Research Management to: 

• Research implementation (40%)
  • Implement DIL’s research in development economics, ensuring high-quality data collection across projects
  • In partnership with Lead Researchers, co-develop and manage a small portfolio of development economics research projects. Guides data collection, evaluation and analysis for DIL development economics projects.
  • Conducts literature reviews
  • Writes reports, articles and manuscripts
  • Solves complex problems relating to the administration of research projects, including planning new procedures and adapting existing procedures to the needs of the project
  • Manage junior research staff such as Research Professionals to ensure effective implementation of DIL research
  • Reviewing research ethics (IRB) applications 
  • Manage and mentor DIL research staff including Research Professionals and Research Associates; recruit and train new DIL research staff 
• Research Partnership Development and Presentations (20%)
  • Lead research communications with DIL partners and internal stakeholders
  • Manage high-level research partnerships with DIL partners including governments, non-profit organizations, and donors; Presents research findings at meetings and conferences, as well as to funding agencies. 
• Operations and Administration Administration (30%)
  • Develop and manage research project budgets and track project finances
  • Advise teams on effective project budgeting and build budgeting tools for teams; adapt existing procedures to the needs of the project
  • Build the Lab’s internal research project management systems and processes; use AI to automate and improve workflows
  • Identify and recruit top research talent globally; design processes that do so.
• Public Goods & Other Duties (10%)
  • Organizing research events such as seminars.

Qualifications

• Experience
  • Minimum of 2-5 years of relevant work experience; internship experience may count towards this requirement
• Competencies
  • Excellent organizational skills, written communication, and high-level of attention to detail
  • Strong cross-cultural communication skills 
  • Knowledge of and experience with field work in developing countries
  • Experience conducting research including managing research teams
  • Exposure to randomized control trials
  • Undergraduate training in economics and econometrics.

Preferred qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant work experience; internship experience may count towards this requirement
• Experience conducting randomized control trials.
• Demonstrated experience managing or creating project budgets
• Graduate level training in economics and econometrics
• Work experience in countries where DIL has research projects (Kenya, India, Rwanda, Uganda, Nigeria, Colombia, Peru, Dominican Republic).

Working conditions

Candidates must be willing to travel extensively and flexibly as needed for their respective responsibilities.