Predoctoral Research Associate
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 objectives of the UChicago Trust are to provide opportunities for grants to support agriculture, water, or 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 collaborating 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 collaborating with the Ministry of Jal Shakti and other collaborators 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
The Trust and DIL-India are seeking full-time Predoctoral Research Associates to support the development of economics research projects in India in collaboration with Michael Kremer and other researchers.
In addition to contributing substantially to DIL-India’s research as a Predoctoral Research Associate, this role is designed with training and mentorship for candidates with an interest in pursuing doctoral programs in economics and/or related fields. Predoctoral associates will have an opportunity to engage with important development stakeholders in India, understand public programs in these sectors, and work with different data sources. The role is designed to aid pre-doctoral associates in preparation for their Ph.D. and offers valuable exposure to assist in determining the possible pursuit of a different professional path.
Responsibilities
Support the design and implementation of research under the direction of the collaborating PI and research teams.
Lead data quality assurance efforts for studies
Collect, record and analyze data from field activities.
Help identify and develop new opportunities and projects in partnership with collaborators and researchers at DIL-India and the Trust
Manage relationships with partner organizations
Conduct literature reviews.
Participate in writing reports and manuscripts.
Ensure compliance with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.
Transcribe and code data; develop data collection instruments.
Present research findings at staff meetings, seminars, and scientific conferences.
Assist with building databases.
Recruit and schedule research subjects.
Maintain technical and administrative support for a research project.
Conducting other relevant project management tasks, as needed.
Required Qualifications
Education
A bachelor’s or master’s degree in Economics, Public Policy, Engineering, Environment Policy or Science or other field.
Experience
A minimum of one to two years of relevant research experience, which may include experience while in school.
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.
Excellent data management, cleaning, and analysis skills or demonstrated interest in learning those skills.
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 research techniques and methods in relevant scientific fields.
Knowledge of impact evaluations, particularly, randomized controlled trials.
Excellent data management, cleaning, and analysis skills. Familiarity with Stata, R, and SurveyCTO is preferred.
Fluency in English. Proficiency in other Indian languages and languages spoken in project locations preferred.
Working Conditions
Positions will be based in the relevant project location. Current project locations are Bhubaneshwar, Vijayawada, Delhi, Bangalore. Base will be determined by project needs.
Possible travel to the United States
Candidates must be flexible and able to travel extensively across India as per the requirement of their assignments.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in India.
Application Documents
Resume/CV (required)
Cover Letter (required)
References Contact Information (3 required)
The anticipated start date for this position is between June-July 2025 . Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.