Job location: Hyde Park Campus

Employment Type: Full-time
Posted data: 2018-11-28
Req: JR03482
Department40610 Office of the Provost

About the UnitThe Becker Friedman Institute for Economics (BFI) works with the Chicago Economics community to turn its evidence-based research into real-world impact. BFI takes a unique approach to bridging the divide between academic researchers and decision-makers in the business community and government by translating and packaging the rigorous work of the Chicago Economics community into accessible formats, and proactively sharing those findings with relevant decision-makers and thought leaders around the globe. BFI is a collaborative platform serving the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics, the Harris School of Public Policy, and the Law School. For more information visit https://bfi.uchicago.edu

Job Information

Job Summary:

The newly-established Ronzetti Initiative for the Study of Labor Markets at the University of Chicago is looking for full-time research assistants for a period of at least one year. Our preferred start date is July 1, 2019, although we are willing to accommodate an earlier start. Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis, but all applications submitted by December 14, 2018, will be given full consideration. We are interested in finding hard-working people who like learning new skills, and want to collaborate closely with faculty members who are invested in their skill development. A few candidates will be hired to work primarily with Professors Manasi Deshpande,  Ingvil Gaarder, Magne Mogstad and Alessandra Voena. Candidates will be matched to professors based on research interests. Candidates may have an opportunity to be exposed to different faculty members and research styles. The program will remain small and emphasis will be put on interactions between participants, the faculty, and the Department of Economics. Participants will be integrated into the research work at many levels. Part of the job is likely to involve working with big data such as administrative registers. This is a unique opportunity to learn on how to work with such data sources. Research assistants will be able to take advanced courses at the University of Chicago as well.

The Initiative for the Study of Labor Markets focuses on modern labor markets in developed economies, and it is organized around three overarching themes:

1) Understanding changes in labor demand

- International competition and trade

- Computerization and increases in labor reducing technologies

- Regulation, taxes and firm dynamics

2) Understanding changes in labor supply

- Regulation, taxes, and household labor supply

- Job training, skill acquisition and educational choices

- Barriers to geographical and occupational mobility

3) Policy and labor market equilibrium

- Insurance and incentive effects of social insurance and safety net programs

- Child care and family policy

- Immigration policy

Responsibilities:

• Collects and cleans data, such as administrative registers.
• Analyzes data, using reduced form and structural methods.
• Writes, proofreads, and fact checks papers, reports, and presentations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Competencies:

• Strong quantitative background required.
• Strong computer skills including programming in either STATA, R, or Matlab required.....
• Strong writing and communications skills required.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines required.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail required.
• Long-term interest in pursuing research in economics preferred.
• Ability to work both independently to solve problems and as a team member required.

Additional Requirements

Education, Experience, or Certifications:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in economics, computer science, mathematics, statistics, or a related field, required; we welcome candidates with strong technical backgrounds and strong analytical skills who are looking for more exposure to economics.

Experience:

• A minimum of one year of relevant research experience, required
• Strong quantitative background and computer skills including programming; strong writing skills and the ability to work independently to solve problems.

Technical Knowledge or Skills:

• Strong skills and knowledge of either STATA, R, or Matlab required.

Required Documents:

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter

NOTE: When applying, all required documents MUST be uploaded under the Resume/CV section of the application

Benefit EligibilityYes

Pay FrequencyMonthly

Pay RangeDepends on Qualifications

Scheduled Weekly Hours37.5

UnionNon-Union

Job is Exempt?Yes

Drug Test Required?No

Does this position require incumbent to operate a vehicle on the job?No

Health Screen Required?No

Posting Date2018-11-28-08:00

Remove from Posting On or Before2019-05-28-07:00

Posting Statement:The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff 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.

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