Job Title: Research Professional – Shaoda Wang  (Full-Time, Benefits Eligible)

Location: Chicago, IL – Hyde Park Campus, Saieh Hall 

Expected Start Date: July 1, 2024

Please direct questions related to this position to bfipredoc@uchicago.edu 

Job Summary

The job will entail close collaboration on a number of new and ongoing projects in environmental economics, development economics, and political economy. Most of these projects will be on China, and will use large administrative datasets. Job responsibilities span all stages of research, including managing projects, collecting and analyzing data, creating presentations, and editing manuscripts.  The predoc will work closely with Shaoda Wang and his collaborators from various other institutions, including Harvard, HKU, Princeton, Northwestern, and Duke.

Additional Responsibilities

  • Collects and cleans data.
  • Analyzes data, using reduced form and structural methods.
  • Prepares literature reviews.
  • Prepares tables and figures for papers and presentations.
  • Writes, proofreads, and fact checks papers, reports, and presentations.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Unit-preferred Competencies

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills required.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines required.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail required.
  • Excellent data visualization ability preferred.
  • Ability to work both independently and as a team member required.

 Preferred Qualifications

Education

  • A BA/BS in Economics, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer/Data Science or other related quantitative disciplines is required.

Experience

  • Relevant research experience with data is required
  • Previous experience pursing independent research is preferred

Technical Knowledge/Skills

  • Knowledge of Stata, Python, LaTex, and/or R required
  • Knowledge of ArcGIS preferred
  • Ability to analyze data and write reports required

Required Documents

  • Resume/CV
  • Cover Letter
  • Transcript (unofficial is ok)
  • Writing Sample (optional)

About the Department
The 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.

A BFI-affiliated center, the Energy Policy Institute at Chicago (EPIC) and EPIC China are an interdisciplinary research and training center. EPIC is contributing innovative solutions to the global energy challenge: how can we ensure that people around the world, today and in the future, have access to reliable, affordable energy needed for human development without putting our health, environment and climate at risk? For more information visit https://bfi.uchicago.edu, https://epic.uchicago.edu/,  and https://epic.uchicago.edu/about/jobs-fellowships/fellowships/predoctoral-fellowship-program/.

The University of Chicago provides equal employment opportunities to all employees, applicants, and job seekers. No person shall be discriminated against in employment or harassed because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, marital status, parental status, ancestry, source of income, or other classes protected by law. This policy includes the commitment to maintaining a work environment free from unlawful harassment.  

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