Research Manager

Department

Development Economics Center

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

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.

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 researcher manager will work with DIL’s lead researchers to manage a portfolio of projects.

This position will end on or before July 30th, 2026, with the possibility of extension.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the research process, including supervising data collection activities for DIL projects, conducting qualitative research, desk research, and quantitative analysis to inform research design, and ensuring rigorous research quality.

• Manage project operations and administration for their projects. Responsibilities may include Institutional Review Board (IRB), new proposal development, contracting, budgeting, donor reporting and communication, grants management, and project finance.

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

• Build research work programs and track progress against them.

• Manage DIL staff including Predoctoral Research Professionals, and Research Associates; recruit and train new DIL staff.

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

• Provide support for cross-cutting lab activities or DIL public goods, such as serving on groups or committees, as required.

• Applies research principles and relevant subject matter knowledge relevant to administer a research project. With a moderate level of direction, manages lab and/or research-related duties and tasks. Helps develop, design and conduct research projects according to plan.

• Supports data collection and analytical needs of research projects. Conducts literature reviews and helps write reports and manuscripts. Ensures project compliance with different policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.

• 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 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in economics, public policy, or a related field.
• Graduate level training in economics and econometrics.

Experience:

• Experience conducting randomized control trials.
• Knowledge of and experience with field work in developing countries. Work experience in countries where DIL has an expanding research portfolio (Kenya, India, Uganda, Nigeria, Colombia, Peru, Dominican Republic) is strongly preferred.
• Experience conducting research including managing research teams, and/or creating project budgets.
• Excellent organizational skills and high-level of attention to detail.
• Strong cross-cultural communication skills.

Working Conditions

• Candidates must be willing to travel extensively and flexibly as needed for their respective responsibilities.
• This position will end on or before July 30th, 2026, with the possibility of extension.

Application Documents

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

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

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$70,000.00 - $80,000.00

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 equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, 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.

 

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