Research Manager

About the role

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. The Market Shaping Accelerator is led by the world’s leading market shaping scholars including Nobel laureate Michael Kremer (UChicago), President of CGD and professor Rachel Glennerster, and Dartmouth Professor Christopher Snyder. MSA aims to catalyze the development of Advance Market Commitments and other market shaping mechanisms to incentivize innovations addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change and biosecurity. MSA identifies promising opportunities, develops high-impact proposals, and engages with policymakers and funders.

Responsibilities

• Implement MSA’s research in marking shaping advancement, ensuring high-quality data collection across projects.
• Partnership with colleagues, co-develop and manage a small portfolio of economics research projects.
• Manage and mentor MSA research staff including Research Professionals and Research Associates; recruit and train new MSA research staff.
• Lead research communications with MSA partners and internal stakeholders.
• Manage high-level research partnerships with MSA partners including governments, non-profit organizations, and donors.
• Develop and manage research project budgets and track project finances.
• Advise teams on effective project budgeting and build budgeting tools for teams.
• Build the MSA’s internal research project management systems and processes; use AI to automate and improve workflows.
• Identify and recruit top research talent globally; design processes that do so.
• Solve complex problems relating to the administration of projects, including planning new procedures, adapting existing procedures to the needs of the project, and making significant contributions to methodology.
• Write reports, articles and manuscripts.

Requirements

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field. Knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline are preferred. Graduate level training in economics and econometrics is preferred.

Qualifications

• Excellent organizational skills, written communication, and high-level of attention to detail.
• Strong cross-cultural communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience managing or creating project budgets.
• Experience conducting randomized control trials.
• Experience conducting research including managing research teams.
• Exposure to randomized control trials.
• Undergraduate training in economics and econometrics.

Skills

• Knowledge of economic principles and econometrics.
• Ability to manage and mentor research staff.
• Experience with project management and budgeting.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills.

Benefits

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.