Research Associate

Duration: 6-months full-time position with possible extension

About the Trust

The University of Chicago Trust (the Trust) is a charitable trust in India, established in 2008 by an alumnus of The University of Chicago. The Trust’s objectives are to provide opportunities for grants to support educational programs, research programs and activities for the betterment of India.

The Development Innovation Lab - India (DIL-India)

DIL-India, based at the Trust in India, is dedicated to using the tools of economics to benefit millions of people. We work across sectors like health, education, agriculture, climate change, road safety, and others. We do so by partnering with government agencies, firms, and non-profits in India to identify, test, and scale evidence-based solutions.

DIL-India has a fast-growing portfolio of policy relevant research. For example, DIL-India is working closely with the Ministry of Jal Shakti and other partners to identify and test safe water solutions that could be deployed at scale. Our estimates suggest that safe water solutions could save the lives of up to 136,000 children annually in India.

Position Description

DIL-India is seeking full-time Research Associates to collaborate on new and ongoing research in development economics. Successful applicants will collaborate 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.

The ideal candidate possesses a mix of economics, analytical, interpersonal and communications skills, and is passionate about conducting research in development economics.

Responsibilities

Supports the design and implementation of experiments under the direction of the PI.

Develops data collection instruments aligned with the research design and desired outcome measurements.

Leads field research activities including training and overseeing the work of research support personnel.

Codes high-frequency checks and analyzes data from field activities.

Manage relationships with collaborating organizations.

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Conducts literature reviews. 
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Participates in writing reports and manuscripts.

Presents research findings at staff meetings, seminars, and scientific conferences.

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Assists with building databases. 
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Maintains technical and organizational support for a research project.

Conducts other relevant tasks, as needed.

Required Qualifications

Education:

A master’s degree in economics, Public Policy, Environment Policy, Science, or another related field.

Will consider a bachelor’s degree in a related field with at least one year of work experience.

Experience:

At least one year of experience, which can be a combination of graduate education and work experience.

Advanced knowledge of research techniques and methods in relevant scientific fields.

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, and presentation skills.

Knowledge of impact evaluations, particularly, randomized controlled trials. Experience managing randomized evaluations is strongly preferred.

Excellent data management, cleaning, and analysis skills.

Familiarity with Stata, R, and Survey CTO is preferred.

Strong demonstrated interest in the development sector.

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Fluency in both English and Hindi.   
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Working Conditions

Based at project locations with regular travel to Delhi.

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Possible travel to the United States 
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Applicant must be legally authorized to work in India

Application Documents

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

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. 

Research Associate

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