"Senior Research Associate, Development Innovation Lab"

Position Overview

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.

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

Applicants must apply online at the University of Chicago’s Interfolio academic job board at https://apply.interfolio.com/179013.

The following required application materials must be submitted through Interfolio: 1) curriculum vitae, and 2) at least 1 published or unpublished research paper.

Review of applications will begin on January 11, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

This position is benefits-eligible. 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.