"Pre-Doc LEO (start dates summer 2026)"

Job Description

LEO is looking for a proactive, self-starter who desires to be part of solving one of the most critical issues our nation faces today - poverty. The pre-doc will support the work of impact evaluation in partnership with researchers and on-the-ground service providers to create evidence around what works in the fight against poverty.

The Wilson Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities (LEO) at the University of Notre Dame is a research center dedicated to reducing poverty and improving lives in the United States through evidence-based programs and policies. LEO matches top research with passionate leaders in social service agencies to conduct impact evaluations that identify the innovative, effective, and scalable programs and policies that help people move permanently out of poverty.

Who we need

The pre-doc will work closely with primary investigators (PIs) on impact evaluations taking significant ownership of projects, from independently coordinating project logistics, to data analysis, and finally dissemination of results.

The Pre-Doc's top priorities will be

• Project Management (25-50%): Drive forward and manage a portfolio of approximately 7-8 active LEO research projects at varying stages of the research lifecycle. Work closely with social service agencies to integrate evaluation into their programs' everyday operations. Lead regularly-scheduled researcher-partner calls with social service organizations. Liaise between PIs and partner organizations, clarifying concerns and handling project logistics. Arrange and conduct site visits to agency partners with PIs.
• Data Collection, Management, and Analysis (25-50%): Clean, organize, and construct datasets to ensure accuracy and consistency of data. Perform analyses and produce key figures and results. Coordinate data exchanges between LEO, social service agencies, and/or government agencies. Construct, implement, and maintain survey questionnaires.
• Inter- and Intradepartmental Support (10%): Engage in weekly research operations staff meetings, raising common challenges and providing feedback as necessary. Carry out team-identified quarterly projects aimed at improving internal processes. Work with other LEO departments to complete project-related administrative tasks. Supervise and mentor undergraduate interns during a ten-week summer internship and/or the academic year.
• Writing (10%): Assist in the composition of key project documents (e.g., pre-analysis plans, literature reviews, grant proposals and reports, research paper drafts, etc.). Draft and execute important contracts (e.g., data-sharing agreements, reliance agreements, IRB proposals / amendments, etc.).
• Dissemination (5%): Present results and project updates to agency partners, senior LEO leadership and staff, and other key stakeholders, attending conferences and other venues as needed.

Additional Details

This position is a 1-year appointment at the University of Notre Dame with the possibility of renewal for a second term. The ideal candidate is interested in investing 2 years in the role. Pre-docs are supported by a positive work environment and a robust team of fellow researchers, including other pre-docs and research faculty. Previous pre-docs have proceeded to attend master's and PhD programs or to pursue careers in various fields.

Qualifications

Required

• A deep commitment to the mission of both LEO and the University of Notre Dame
• A bachelor's degree in Economics or related social science field
• Training in econometric and statistical techniques employed in randomized evaluations
• Statistical programming experience (STATA, R, SAS)
• Highly organized with the ability to juggle multiple demands and timelines simultaneously
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Strong project management skills
• Self-directed with the willingness to take initiative over project tasks and offer input in research decision-making
• A desire to work in a fast-paced, team-based environment

Preferred

• Experience working for economic researchers as a research assistant
• Experience working for or with social service providers
• Commitment to two years in this role