Temporary Research Project Coordinator

About the Department

The Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics has been recognized as one of the world's leading centers for economic research and education for over a century. The Department's faculty have received numerous awards, including more Nobel Prize laureates and John Bates Clark medalists in economics than any other university. Faculty members include many inductees of the National Academy of Sciences, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the Econometric Society.

About the Role

The University of Chicago is seeking a highly organized and motivated Temporary Research Project Coordinator to oversee a large-scale field experiment studying labor market discrimination. This position combines project management, technical operations, and research administration in support of a multi-year academic research project. The role is well suited for candidates early in their careers, including recent master's graduates with strong organizational, technical, or project management skills. Candidates with additional relevant experience are also encouraged to apply.

Directly reporting to Professor Evan Rose, the successful candidate will coordinate external vendors, manage complex project workflows, oversee the development and operation of custom software systems, and ensure the successful implementation of a large-scale research study. This is an ideal position for someone who enjoys solving organizational and technical problems, thrives in fast-paced environments, and is excited by the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge social science research.

This temporary position offers the opportunity to build valuable experience in research administration. Depending on departmental needs, available funding, and performance, qualified candidates may be considered for future employment opportunities at the University of Chicago.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day management of a large, complex field experiment involving multiple parallel workstreams.
• Coordinate and manage relationships with external vendors, contractors, and research partners.
• Develop project plans, implementation timelines, and systems to track milestones, deliverables, and project progress.
• Oversee the development, testing, deployment, and maintenance of custom software and research infrastructure used to conduct the experiment.
• Serve as the primary administrator and day-to-day operator of project software, ensuring research systems function reliably and efficiently.
• Configure, maintain, troubleshoot, and improve software tools used to support study implementation, participant management, data collection, and quality assurance.
• Develop and maintain documentation for software systems, research protocols, and operational workflows.
• Monitor project progress and proactively identify and resolve operational, technical, and logistical challenges.
• Coordinate research activities to ensure adherence to study protocols and high standards of data quality.
• Organize meetings, track action items, and communicate project status, risks, and priorities to the research team.
• Identify opportunities to improve project efficiency through better processes, automation, and technology.
• Perform other related tasks as needed.

Competencies

• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex tasks simultaneously while maintaining careful attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize competing demands, and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated initiative and a proactive approach to identifying and resolving problems.
• Ability to balance strategic planning with day-to-day operational execution.
• Adaptability and willingness to learn new technologies and processes.
• Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary environment that combines research, technology, and project management.
• Commitment to developing efficient systems and processes that support high-quality research.

Qualifications

Education: College or university degree required. Master's degree in economics, computer science, data science, statistics, public policy, information systems, engineering, or a related field; or a bachelor's degree with substantial relevant professional experience preferred.

Experience: Up to 2 years of experience required. 2–5 years of relevant professional experience preferred. Demonstrated experience managing multiple priorities, projects, or operational responsibilities in a professional environment required. Background in computer science, software engineering, data science, computational social science, or a similar technical field preferred. Experience managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders, working closely with software developers, or managing software development projects preferred. Experience administering or troubleshooting software systems in a production environment, or with software testing, debugging, or quality assurance preferred. Prior experience supporting academic research, randomized controlled trials, audit studies, or other large-scale research projects preferred. Experience managing external vendors or contractor relationships preferred.

Skills

• Demonstrated technical aptitude and the ability to quickly learn new software systems and technologies required.
• Familiarity with Python, SQL, Git, APIs, cloud computing platforms, and modern software development workflows preferred.
• Familiarity with databases, survey platforms, automated data collection systems, and other research technologies preferred.

Working Conditions

• Hybrid schedule of in-person and work-from-home days.
• Part-time, temporary position.

Pay

Hourly pay range: $25.00 – $37.00. This position is non-exempt and not eligible for benefits.

Schedule

Scheduled weekly hours: 30.