Research Professional – Koichiro Ito (Full-Time, Benefits Eligible) at Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC)

Job Title: Research Professional (RP) 

Location: Chicago, IL 

Salary Ranges: $55,000–62,000 annual salary, additional $2,000 professional development fund 

Terms: Seeking a Research Professional for a period of at least one but ideally two years 

Projects: Projects will focus on evaluating various energy and environmental policies in the US, Japan, China, India, Chile, and other countries by using a variety of methods such as randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental research design, and structural estimation. 

Expected Start Date: July 1, 2026

Department: Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago
 

Job Summary 

The Energy Policy Institute (EPIC) is seeking to hire a full-time Research Professional to work with Professor Koichiro Ito on ongoing and new research projects related to evaluating various energy and environmental policies in the US, Japan, China, India, Chile, and other countries by using a variety of methods such as randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental research design, and structural estimation. Applicants must have completed a Bachelors degree by June 2026 and available to begin work in July 2026.

The Research Professional’s responsibilities will span all stages of research, including collecting data of 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. Applicants must have strong quantitative and programming skills. Candidates with research experience are strongly preferred, especially those with experience in Stata, R, Python or Matlab. The ideal candidate would work for EPIC for one or two years before applying to graduate school in Economics or another quantitative social science. EPIC offers competitive salary and employee benefits. 

In addition to working closely with faculty as research assistants, pre-doctoral fellows typically attend classes and seminars at EPIC, the University of Chicago, and affiliate institutions. People in this or similar positions have gone on to Economics Ph.D. programs at Harvard, MIT, University of Chicago, University of California, Berkeley, Northwestern, and similar schools upon completion of this program. 

Unit-Specific Responsibilities

• 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. 
• Assists with writing data analysis plans and contributes to preparing study registration documents. 
• Supports the implementation of field experiments including supporting the design and implementation of surveys, and monitoring the quality of data collected, when needed. 
• 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. 

Unit-preferred Competencies

• Experience with Stata, Python, Matlab, and/or R 
• Advanced coursework in Economics or Mathematics.  
• Familiarity in analyzing large data sets, applying econometrics methods. 
• Knowledge of machine learning techniques in data analysis. 
• Familiarity with statistical analysis packages such as Stata, R, 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. 

Qualifications:

Education

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Master’s degree in economics, public policy, or a related field (preferred)

Experience

• 3 months to one year of work experience in a related job discipline. Experience gained through coursework may be counted as relevant experience
• Experience in econometrics
• Previous research assistance experience contributing meaningfully to faculty research.  
• Advanced knowledge of research techniques and methods in relevant scientific field. 

Technical Knowledge/Skills

• Experience with Stata, Python, Matlab, and/or R 
• Understanding of academia and higher education in a research and teaching environment.  

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• Writing Sample (required)
• Transcripts (unofficial is acceptable) (required)
• Two Professional References (required)

About the Department  

The Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC), part of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth (ICSG) produces data-driven research that advances society's understanding of the global energy challenge and translates research insights into real-world impacts through strategic outreach and training for the next generation of global energy leaders. EPIC’s pre-doctoral fellowship program, part of the Becker Friedman Institute's Pre-Doctoral in Economics Program (PREP), serves as a two-year bridge program between college and a doctoral program.  Recipients gain an in-depth understanding of the entire research process while undergoing intensive career development as part of a close-knit community

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination. 

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.