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Research Professional | Magne Mogstad and Evan Rose at UChicago BFI

Becker Friedman Institute
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Job Title: Research Professional – Magne Mogstad and Evan Rose (Full-Time, Benefits Eligible)

Location: Chicago, IL – Hyde Park Campus, Saieh Hall / Remote

Expected Start Date: 7/1/2024

Please direct questions related to this posting to bfipredoc@uchicago.edu 

The priority application deadline is October 15, but applications will be considered after that date until the position is filled.

Job Summary
The Research Professional will work with Professors Magne Mogstad and/or Evan Rose on ongoing and new research projects related to applied econometrics, labor and public economics.  Both professors Magne Mogstad and Evan Rose are faculty members at the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics.

Successful candidates will work directly with Professors Magne Mogstad and/or Evan Rose and co-authors as part of BFI’s Ronzetti Initiative for the Study of Labor Markets and BFI’s Predoctoral Research in Economics Program (PREP).  The position entails collaboration on new and ongoing research projects, with specialization in using applied microeconometric techniques to analyze labor markets and social policy in developed economies, including (but not limited to) 1) understanding changes in labor demand (e.g., international competition and trade, regulation and firm dynamics), 2) understanding labor supply (e.g., household labor supply, barriers to geographical and occupational mobility), 3) understanding the determination of the labor market equilibrium, and the role of policy and institutions (e.g., the insurance and incentive effects of social insurance and safety net programs, quantifying monopsony power and implications), and 4) interactions between labor markets and the criminal justice system (e.g., effects of economic shocks on crime and recidivism).

The Research Professional’s responsibilities will span all stages of research, including collecting data in both tabular and spatial formats, developing algorithms that clean and organize data, conducting statistical analyses, running simulations, and preparing manuscripts and presentations.  The program is intended to serve as a bridge between college and graduate school for students interested in empirical economics.  All former Research Professionals have been admitted to PhD programs at the highest ranked economics programs in the US.

Responsibilities

  • Cleans and analyzes data.
  • Writes or finalizes replicable data files or scripts for publication.
  • Ensures compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives, and mandates. Analyzes possible solutions using standard procedures.
  • Supports with writing of grant and policy reports and assists with drafting presentations of research findings.
  • Takes responsibility for the following non-laboratory duties: transcribing and coding data; developing data collection instruments; presenting research; and recruiting and scheduling research subjects. Acquires higher-level skills and knowledge in the process.
  • 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: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.  Background in economics is a plus, but not necessary – we welcome candidates with strong technical backgrounds and strong analytical skills who are looking for more exposure to economics.

Experience: Relevant research experience as a research assistant (especially with data).

  • Experience in econometrics.
  • Advanced coursework in Economics or Mathematics.
  • Familiarity in analyzing large data sets, applying econometrics methods.
  • Familiarity with statistical analysis packages such as Stata, R, Julia, and/or Python.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
  • Work both independently and as a team member.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

 Preferred Qualifications

Experience:

  • Previous research assistance experience contributing meaningfully to faculty research.
  • Advanced knowledge of research techniques and methods in relevant scientific field.

Preferred Licenses and Certifications
N/A

 Preferred Competencies

  • Advanced familiarity with numerical optimization and package development in R, Julia, and/or Python, and the ability to use Stata to manage and analyze large datasets.

About the Department

The Becker Friedman Institute for Economics (BFI) works with the Chicago Economics community to turn its evidence-based research into real-world impact. BFI takes a unique approach to bridging the divide between academic researchers and decision-makers in the business community and government by translating and packaging the rigorous work of the Chicago Economics community into accessible formats, and proactively sharing those findings with relevant decision-makers and thought leaders around the globe. BFI is a collaborative platform serving the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics, the Harris School of Public Policy, and the Law School. The Predoctoral Research in Economics Program (PREP) is intended to serve as a bridge between college and graduate school for students interested in empirical economics. The program offers unique research and professional training opportunities at the University of Chicago. For more information visit https://bfi.uchicago.edu and https://bfi.uchicago.edu/info-for/prep/. 

Application Documents

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

  • Resume
  • Cover letter
  • Writing sample
  • Transcripts (unofficial accepted)
  • Two professional references

The University of Chicago provides equal employment opportunities to all employees, applicants, and job seekers. No person shall be discriminated against in employment or harassed because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, marital status, parental status, ancestry, source of income, or other classes protected by law. This policy includes the commitment to maintaining a work environment free from unlawful harassment.