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Job Title: Research Professional - Oeindrila Dube (Full-Time, Benefits Eligible)Location: Chicago, IL Salary Ranges: $55,000-62,000 annual salary, additional $2,000 professional development fund. The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.Terms: Seeking a Research Professional for a period of at least one but ideally two years Projects: Projects include applying rigorous empirical methods to some of the most important questions in development economics and political economy Expected Start Date: July 1, 2026 Department: Becker Friedman Institute Benefits Eligible: Yes. The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.About the programThe Becker Friedman Institute for Economics (BFI) is seeking a full-time Research Professional to work with Oeindrila Dube, Philip K. Pearson Professor at the University of Chicago's Harris School of Public Policy. This is a hands-on research role applying rigorous empirical methods to some of the most important questions in development economics and political economy. The program is intended to serve as a bridge between college and graduate school for students interested in empirical economics. Applicants must have strong quantitative and programming skills. Candidates with research experience are strongly preferred, especially those with experience in Stata, R, Python or Matlab. The ideal candidate would work for BFI for one or two years before applying to graduate school in Economics or another quantitative social science. BFI offers competitive salary and employee benefits. Job Summary Can dialogue between warring groups reduce violence? And, how does media influence social and cultural norms? These are the kinds of questions driving this research, and we're looking for someone to help answer them. What you'll work on Two major projects form the core of this role: Conflict and dialogue in Nigeria: In collaboration with James Robinson (UChicago) and Soeren Henn (U Wisconsin-Madison), we are analyzing the results of a large-scale field experiment studying how contact between warring groups affects farmer-herder violence in Nigeria's Middle Belt. Impact of media on social norms and culture: In collaboration with Joshua Blumenstock (UC Berkeley) and Karrar Hussein (AUB) we are investigating how exposure to western media affect gender norms and gender inequality in an Islamic society. This project brings together novel big data sources and causal identification strategies to understand deep-rooted disparities. Who we're looking for The ideal candidate has strong quantitative training in economics or a related field and is genuinely curious about how political and social forces shape conflict, development, and gender inequality. Experience working with large datasets is central to this role.Why this role? The position is intended to bridge the gap between the classroom and graduate school for students in empirical research through applied research work. Applicants interested in pursuing PhDs in Economics, Public Policy, or Political Economy are encouraged to apply. You will gain deep exposure to frontier empirical methods, receive mentorship from faculty, and contribute to projects with direct policy relevance. The collaborative nature of these projects also means you will interact with a broader network of leading researchers across institutions. This position provides access to UChicago coursework, allowing you to address potential gaps in academic background. Unit-preferred CompetenciesProficient in writing replicable data files on Stata and/or R; experience with Python is a plus Strong understanding of causal inference methods - randomized controlled trials, difference-in-differences, regression discontinuity, or related approaches Experience working with large datasets, including cleaning and merging complex data from multiple sources Congenial interpersonal skills required to manage projects, including scheduling and managing timelines. Strong writing and communication skills to help prepare literature reviews, produce presentations, and write reports. Excellent organizational skills Attention to detail Strong academic writing/communication skillsMinimum Qualifications:EducationBachelor's degree in economics, public policy, statistics or a related quantitative disciplineExperienceAt least one year of relevant research experience (coursework and school projects count)Technical Knowledge/SkillsKnowledge of R and/or Python preferred Knowledge of STATA preferred Preferred Qualifications:Has experience designing survey instruments or accurately encoding survey data; Experience with geospatial data is also a plus Is comfortable with version control and collaborative coding (git/GitHub) Has familiarity with the IRB process and applications Has familiarity with AI-powered coding tools (e.g., Claude Code, Codex) Application DocumentsResume/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.All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.