The University of Chicago’s Development Innovation Lab (DIL) and the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics invites applications for a non-tenure track Senior Research Associate position, with a focus on Development Economics and Education. The position will be a two-year, renewable appointment that will begin on February 1, 2026.
The Development Innovation Lab at the University of Chicago uses the tools of economics to develop innovations with the potential to benefit millions of people in low- and middle-income countries. It was founded and is led by Nobel laureate Michael Kremer.
The Senior Research Associate (SRA) will be the research lead for education research projects at DIL. They will work closely with the faculty Director (Michael Kremer) on large-scale education interventions. The SRA will help lead the Lab’s work to develop and experimentally test scalable innovations to improve learning outcomes and improve the skills of students so they can be more productive adults. Examples of research projects might include evaluating the impact of government-run education innovations on learning outcomes and conducting AB tests to improve the design of interventions.
The SRA will also help apply for grants and secure funds for research and will be responsible for both fundraising and for overseeing project budgets. The SRA might be responsible for overseeing junior staff. The position is based in Chicago.
Review of applications will begin on January 11, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Qualifications
- Ph.D. in economics, public policy or a closely related field
- A strong record of early-career scholarly publication and working papers focused on international education
- At least seven years of experience running randomized control trials of education innovations.
- At least five years of experience conducting research in Africa and South Asia
- Demonstrated ability to communicate research findings clearly to audiences through oral presentations and written work
Application Instructions
Applications must be submitted through the University of Chicago’s Interfolio website at: https://apply.interfolio.com/179013. Applications must include curriculum vitae, and up to three published or unpublished research papers.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages diverse perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange. The University’s Statements on Diversity are at https://provost.uchicago.edu/statements-diversity.
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, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, 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 773-834-3988 or email [email protected] with their request