Research Professional – Macro Finance Research (MFR) Program (Full-Time, Benefits Eligible)

Job Title: Research Professional – Macro Finance Research (MFR) Program (Full-Time, Benefits Eligible)

Location: Chicago, IL – Hyde Park Campus, Saieh Hall

Please send questions related to this posting to [email protected] 

Expected Start Date: July 1, 2024

The Macro Finance Research (MFR) Program under the auspices of the Becker Friedman Institute is seeking a highly skilled and independently motivated early career scholar for the Macro Finance Research Program (MFR) led by Professor Lars Peter Hansen. The research professional will be expected to:

• Conduct independent problem-solving with high-level directional advice;
• Be fully informed on the latest developments in the relevant research areas;
• Assist Professor Hansen to identify, assess and organize information for research from academic institutions worldwide and other organizations addressing similar research goals;
• Collaborate with the MFR research team to create and strengthen a digital platform accessible to the community of researchers whose aim is to strengthen dynamic models in macroeconomics and finance;
• Present findings effectively and articulately at internal staff meetings and seminars/conferences;
• Contribute essential technical content relevant to grant proposals and reports in support of the initiative.

The candidate will be required to independently identify and interpret research data, develop conclusions, and communicate findings through effective oral and written communication on a bi-weekly basis.

The ideal candidate will have strong computer programming and quantitative skills, experience with a statistical programming language such as MATLAB, JULIA, Stata, or R, and familiarity with lower-level programming languages such as C, C++, or Python with interest in coding and a willingness to learn new programs and methods of analysis.

Additional Responsibilities

• Collects and cleans data.
• Analyzes data, using reduced form and structural methods.
• Prepares literature reviews.
• Prepares tables and figures for papers and presentations.
• Writes, proofreads, and fact checks papers, reports, and presentations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Unit-preferred Competencies

• Strong written and verbal communication skills required.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines required.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail required.
• Excellent data visualization ability preferred.
• Ability to work both independently and as a team member required.

Preferred Qualifications

Education

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree or above in applied mathematics and computation, statistics, economics or a closely connected field. Some basic knowledge of economic dynamics is preferred.

Experience

• Relevant research experience, especially with data, preferred

Technical Knowledge/Skills

• Knowledge of Python, MATLAB, Stata, JULIA and/or R required
• Knowledge of LaTeX preferred

Required Documents

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter (include earliest available start date)
• Writing Sample (optional)
• Transcript (unofficial is ok)
• Recommendation Letters (minimum of 2)

About the Unit:

The Becker Friedman Institute for Economics (BFI) works with the Chicago Economics community to turn its evidence-based research into real-world impact. BFI takes a unique approach to bridging the divide between academic researchers and decision-makers in the business community and government by translating and packaging the rigorous work of the Chicago Economics community into accessible formats, and proactively sharing those findings with relevant decision-makers and thought leaders around the globe. BFI is a collaborative platform serving the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics, the Harris School of Public Policy, and the Law School. For more information visit https://bfi.uchicago.edu and https://bfi.uchicago.edu/programs/macro-finance-research-program/ .

The University of Chicago provides equal employment opportunities to all employees, applicants, and job seekers. No person shall be discriminated against in employment or harassed because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, marital status, parental status, ancestry, source of income, or other classes protected by law. This policy includes the commitment to maintaining a work environment free from unlawful harassment.