Research Fellow (Latin America), DIL

The Development Innovation Lab (DIL) at the Becker Friedman Institute (BFI) uses the tools of economics to develop innovations of practical use in developing countries. By bringing together experts in different fields and working closely with nonprofit organizations, firms and governments in developing countries, we can simultaneously advance knowledge and generate solutions to development challenges which can reach hundreds of millions of people.

Job Description
DIL is seeking full-time Research Fellows to collaborate on new and ongoing research in development economics. The Fellows will support DIL’s rapidly growing portfolio of research projects in Latin America. Successful applicants will be based in project locations and work closely with Principal Investigators (PIs) at the Development Innovation Lab (DIL) at the University of Chicago, including Professor Michael Kremer, Nobel laureate and DIL Faculty Director to design and implement research projects. The ideal candidate is passionate about conducting field research in development economics. We are open to candidates with education and training in non-economics fields who demonstrate interest in development research. The Fellow role offers training and mentorship for candidates with an interest in pursuing doctoral programs in economics and/or related fields.
Please note this role will likely be based in one of the following countries: Colombia, Mexico, Dominican Republic, or Peru. We may hire individuals to be based in other countries depending on project needs. While candidate preferences will be considered, we will make an offer for a base location depending on project needs.
Accordingly, formal employment will be through an in-country employer of record (“EoR) under contract with DIL. Additional details regarding salary, benefits and terms and conditions of employment offered by the EoR will be provided to individuals during the hiring process.

Responsibilities

• Supports the design and implementation of experiments under the direction of the PI.
• Lead data quality assurance efforts for studies
• Collects, records and analyzes data from field activities.
• Develop new projects in partnership with the PI and Lead Researchers at the Lab
• Manage relationships with partner organizations
• Conducts literature reviews.
• Participates in writing reports and manuscripts.
• Ensures compliance with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.
• Trains and oversees the work of research support personnel.
• Transcribes and codes data; develops data collection instruments.
• Presents research findings at staff meetings, seminars, and scientific conferences.
• Assists with building databases.
• Recruits and schedules research subjects.
• Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project.
• Conducting other relevant administrative tasks, as needed.

Required Qualifications

Education

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in Economics, Public Policy, Engineering, Environment Policy or Science or another field relevant to project needs

Experience

• 1-2 years of relevant research experience, which may include experience while in school (preferred).
• Experience working, studying, or spending significant time in developing countries or strong demonstrated interest in doing so.
• Strong demonstrated interest in the development sector.
• Knowledge of research techniques and methods in relevant scientific fields.
• Knowledge of impact evaluations, particularly, randomized controlled trials (preferred).
• Previous experience conducting development economics research as a Research Associate or similar role or, alternatively, (some) technical skills (coding, analysis, and theory) with strong motivation to learn how to conduct field-based research in development economics.
• Excellent data management, cleaning, and analysis skills or demonstrated interest in learning those skills. Familiarity with Stata, R, and SurveyCTO is preferred.

Competencies

• Excellent management and organizational skills along with strong quantitative skills.
• Flexible, self-motivating, able to manage multiple tasks efficiently, and a team player.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Fluency in both English and Spanish

Working Conditions

• Candidates must be flexible and able to travel extensively across the project country and region as per the requirement of their assignment(s)
• Possible travel to the United States

Through the EoR, we are able to support work authorization in Colombia, and Mexico. Final employment is contingent upon legal authorization to work in-country, based on local visa and work authorization requirements and approvals.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• References Contact Information (3 required)

Apply Here

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