Research Analyst

Department
 

SSD: Center for the Economics of Human Development - Staff and Temporary Employees

About the Department
 

Since its inception in 2014, the Center for the Economics of Human Development (CEHD) has brought together top-tier researchers to conduct and disseminate rigorous interdisciplinary research that identifies and explores the conditions under which people develop the skills necessary to thrive in society and achieve their fullest potential. CEHD’s research is guided by Nobel laureate James J. Heckman to include a comprehensive array of interrelated and interdisciplinary projects and initiatives which promote a thorough empirical understanding of human flourishing. Unifying this research is an evolving body of ideas that capacities and skills acquired over the lifecycle, starting at conception, transform many aspects of the life course at all stages, ranging from employment and earning prospects to overall health. Professor Heckman and his research team work to advance knowledge by producing empirical and theoretical research that integrates ideas and methods across the social and natural sciences and creates rigorous evidence for public policy.

Job Summary
 

The job performs routine assignments related to 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.

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.

CEHD’s robust research initiatives produce innovative, sound, evidence-based support for high-quality investments in programs that foster skills over the lifecycle. The research specialist will contribute to these initiatives, participating in a variety of research projects in human capital, labor economics, and the economics of education and will gain experience in all aspects of the research process.

Responsibilities range across the research cycle and will include cleaning and analyzing large datasets, designing survey questionnaires, proposing grants for new projects, writing reports or papers, and presenting research.The Research Analyst will perform the below responsibilities under the supervision of Professor Heckman and other senior research mentors.

Responsibilities

• Programs in Stata, Python, R, or MATLAB to analyze data using econometric tools.

• Collaborates with research team to develop economic models for projects. Cleans and describes data, generating graphs, tables, or other summaries. Responsibly handles confidential data.

• Proofreads and contributes to academic papers, reports, and presentations. Assists with grant writing and proofreading.

• Trains and supervises undergraduate research assistants.

• Takes responsibility for the following non-laboratory duties: transcribing and coding data; developing data collection instruments; presenting research; and recruiting and scheduling research subjects. Acquires higher-level skills and knowledge in the process.

• Takes responsibility for the following laboratory duties: recognizing abnormal results and varying conditions or procedures to correct problems; setting up and performing experiments. Analyze the meaning, significance, causes, and effects of the subject.

• Analyzes and maintains data. Conducts literature reviews. Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts, and other documents.

• Installs, sets up and performs experiments; interacts with students and other research staff under the direction of the principle investigator.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in economics or related quantitative field.

Experience:

• Experience with quantitative academic research.

• Experience programming and working with empirical data.

• Experience working successfully in stressful environments and problem solving.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Proficiency in Stata.

• Proficiency in LaTeX.

• Proficiency of Microsoft Office Suite.

• Proficiency of Google Suite.

• Experience with R, MATLAB, Python helpful.

Preferred Competencies

• Working knowledge of research techniques in empirical economics.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and an enthusiasm for learning new methods and skills independently.

• Strong ability to coordinate work with others and teams.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Excellent organization and attention to details.

Application Documents

• Resume or CV (required)

• Research statement (required)

• Unofficial transcript (required)

• Sample of code in any programming language that you have used to conduct data analysis (required)

• 3 references contact information (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
 

Research

Role Impact
 

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status
 

Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

37.5

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Posting Statement
 

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

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