Research Professional, MSA

Department

Development Economics Center

About the Department

The Market Shaping Accelerator at the University of Chicago is led by the world’s leading market shaping scholars including Nobel laureate Michael Kremer (UChicago), Professor and former Chief Economist of the FCDO Rachel Glennerster (UChicago and CGD), and Professor Christopher Snyder (Dartmouth). The accelerator aims to identify the most promising areas for market shaping instruments (such as Advance Market Commitments) to incentivize innovations that address pressing global challenges such as climate change and biosecurity.

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 Research Professional will work with Professor Rachel Glennerster, Professor Christopher Snyder (Dartmouth) and other colleagues at the Market Shaping Accelerator to support the development and adoption of high impact market shaping proposals that will incentivize innovations that address climate change, biosecurity, and other pressing global challenges.
The position will provide an opportunity to engage in a variety of tasks that provide preparation for graduate school and exposure to working with key policymakers, economists, and philanthropists. Research professionals interact frequently with the faculty directors and work in a supportive environment with a small team. This role provides the opportunity to collaborate on papers, interact with economic experts, and contribute to market-shaping proposals.

This position will be based in one of the following locations: Chicago, Illinois; Washington D.C.; or Hanover, New Hampshire. The majority of the team is based in Washington D.C. and we are happy to work with candidates on identifying the right location based on preferences and team needs.

Responsibilities

• Economic appraisal and quantitative modeling (including cost-benefit analysis) of market shaping proposals

• Estimating the size of relevant markets, the potential benefits of new innovations and the potential size (cost) of the market shaping instruments

• Modeling in Stata, R, and/or Python to analyze large datasets to inform cost/benefit estimates

• Supporting analysis of policy challenges such as climate mitigation, climate adaptation, and pandemic preparedness – including understanding the market structure of key sectors/industries

• Communication and coordination with relevant stakeholders

• Identifying promising candidate problems to tackle with market shaping instruments through desk research

• Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project.

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

• Performs other related work as needed

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

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

Work Experience:

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

Certifications:

---

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Economics or related field.

Experience:

• Strong quantitative skills and experience with empirical research methods.

• Programming experience in at least one language (e.g., Stata, R, python, or MATLAB).

Preferred Competencies

• Excellent analytical and critical-thinking skills.

• Strong oral and written communication skills.

• Ability to stay organized on multiple projects simultaneously.

• Curiosity and interest in climate change, biosecurity (including pandemic preparedness).

Working Conditions

• Some domestic (and possible international) travel as required.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)

• Cover Letter (required)

• Writing Sample (required)

• Professional References Contact Information (3)(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

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

​
FLSA Status

Exempt

​
Pay Range

$47,806.00 - $61,867.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

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.

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.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.