Research Professional – University of Chicago – Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL)

J-PAL is a global research center working to reduce poverty and fight climate change by ensuring that policy is informed by scientific evidence. Anchored by a network of more than 500 top researchers at universities around the world, J-PAL conducts innovative research and builds powerful partnerships to solve the world’s greatest challenges. J-PAL was launched at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2003 and its faculty directors are Nobel laureates and MIT professors Abhijit Banerjee and Esther Duflo, and Ben Olken. It has over 400 research, policy, training, and operations staff across Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, Middle East, North America, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. For more information visit povertyactionlab.org.

Job Summary

Research Professional works with Professor Devin Pope or Professor Joshua Dean to collect data, maintain databases, conduct statistical analysis, and provide other support associated with faculty research.

This position is expected to last one year with the possibility of a second.

Start Date (Earliest):  1 July 2023
Length of Commitment: One year

Responsibilities

• Collects data, conducts complex statistical analysis, writes statistical software programs, and organizes the presentation of results.
• Creates charts, tables, and descriptive text for presentations.
• Maintains databases, reviews background materials, and performs preliminary research.
• Obtains and organizes information for research from other academic institutions and practitioners.
• Proofreads and edits citations of research reports, working papers, and publications.
• Maintains effective communication with all members of the faculty and outside institutions.
• 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 or higher in a field relevant to the research being conducted by start date.

Experience:

A minimum one year of relevant research experience.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

Demonstrated proficiency in STATA or similar statistical program.

Preferred Competencies

• Outstanding verbal, written, and presentation skills, as well as organizational skills.
• Work independently with little supervision; possess a self-motivated disposition; identify opportunities for improvement and recommend effective changes, all while achieving key objectives resulting in desired outcomes.
• Excellent strategic planning, critical thinking, analytical, and persuasion skills.
• Handle multiple detailed tasks/projects simultaneously and meet strict deadlines with frequent interruptions.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and diplomatically with colleagues, as well as with students, faculty and corporate contacts in a multitude of communication methods i.e., in person, email, phone.
• Professional demeanor, including tact, discretion, and a customer service-oriented approach.

Working Conditions

This position is currently expected to work a minimum three days per week in the office.