Research Professional – Behavioral Economics (Full-Time, Benefits Eligible) en Becker Friedman Institute for Economics at the University of Chicago (BFI)

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 include the attention economy and the use of technology to improve social outcomes.

Expected Start Date: July 1, 2026

Department: Becker Friedman Institute

Job Summary

The Becker Friedman Institute for Economics (BFI) is seeking to hire a full-time Research Professional to work with Professor Leo Bursztyn and Alex Imas on ongoing and new research projects related to Behavioral Economics. Applicants must have completed a Bachelors degree by June 2025 and available to begin work as soon as possible.

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.

Unit-Specific Responsibilities

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.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

Education

• Bachelor's degree in economics, computer sciences, engineering, or related STEM fields is highly desirable.

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.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

Education: Master’s degree in economics, public policy, or a related field.

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

• 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 Becker Friedman Institute for Economics aims to foster frontier research and apply those findings to achieve global impact. BFI brings together researchers from the Booth School of Business, the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics, the Harris School of Public Policy, the Law School, and the entire University of Chicago Economics Community to leverage robust data, apply cutting-edge analytical tools, and uncover novel insights on the world’s most difficult economic problems. BFI then bridges the divide between academic researchers and relevant policy makers by translating and packaging rigorous research into accessible formats and proactively sharing those findings with decision-makers and thought leaders in business, government and nonprofit institutions. In this way, BFI has the potential to play a significant role in meeting the most difficult challenges facing the global 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.