Becker Friedman Institute
RESEARCH PROFESSIONAL OPENING IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE, MACROECONOMICS, AND FINANCE
The Becker Friedman Institute at the University of Chicago has an opening for a highly skilled and independently motivated individual to work as a full-time research professional for the 2018-19 (and possibly 2019-20) academic year(s).The successful candidate will work directly under the supervision of Professors Felix Tintelnot and Lawrence Schmidt of the UChicago Economics department and make important contributions to several research projects which lie in the area of international trade, macroeconomics, and finance. This research combines both theoretical and empirical components—we expect the successful candidate to be involved in the process of using rich datasets to estimate key model parameters and test model predictions. Given this focus, the ideal candidate will have exceptionally strong computer programming and quantitative skills. The position would provide ideal training for a recent graduate (with an undergraduate or Bachelor’s degree) who is interested in going on to do an Economics PhD, as it offers a chance to gain practical experience prior to beginning more formal instruction.
Details: This is a one-year term appointment, and may be extendible into the future given outstanding performance. The expected start date is mid-July, 2018, but this is flexible if needed. The candidate is welcome to take advantage of immersion in the Chicago Economics community and to attend (with permission) PhD-level economics courses at Chicago, as well as both student and faculty research workshops. This position is monthly salaried and benefits-eligible.
Desired qualifications: The candidate must possess (at the time of starting) an undergraduate degree or higher, with excellent grades, in economics or another quantitative field. While some background in economics is potentially helpful, it is not required. For example, the position may be well-suited to students with a background in computer science,mathematics, statistics, physics, and engineering, provided that the candidate has an interest in economic research. Given the type of work involved, exceptional programming skills are a must. Ideally, the candidate would possess experience with a statistical programming language such as MATLAB or Stata. Familiarity with lower-level programming languages such as C, C++, or Python and/or experience with numerical optimization techniques is also a plus. An interest in computers and a willingness to learn new programs and methods is also vital. The candidate must enjoy independent problem-solving and thrive on taking high-level directional advice and then running with this advice as far as possible.
Application procedure: To express your interest in the position, please email to melissade4@uchicago.edu,tintelnot@uchicago.eduand ldwschmidt@uchicago.edu the following materials with the subject line “Research Professional Application Materials”:
- A cover letter that briefly outlines: (a) your background and career ambitions, (b) your experience in conducting or assisting with research projects, (c) your experience and familiarity (giving short examples of problems solved by code you’ve written) with any relevant programming languages, (d) the names (with email addresses) of any professors for whom you have worked as a research assistant in the past (along with a brief description of that role) who will be willing to provide a brief letter of recommendation upon request.
- A current CV.
- A transcript (unofficial is fine but official preferred) of any undergraduate and postgraduate studies
- An example of a research paper and / or code that you have written for a class or research project
Deadline: Applications will be considered on a rolling basis (so please send in yours as soon as possible).
