Senior Research Associate

Job Description

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 Mathematics. The position will be a two-year, renewable appointment that will begin on October 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 weather forecasting at DIL. They will work closely with the faculty Director (Michael Kremer) on large-scale human centered weather forecasting initiatives. The SRA will help lead the Lab’s work to develop, adapt, and validate scalable weather forecasting innovations to inform agricultural decision-making. Examples of research projects might include Human-Centered Weather Forecasting in Indonesia, India, and Ethiopia.

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.

Review of applications will begin on September 15, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Proposed Start Date and Term: October 1, 2026 – September 31, 2028

Qualifications

Ph.D. in mathematics
A strong early-career research record in development economics and weather forecasting, including publications and working papers in progress
Postdoctoral or equivalent research experience developing and validating statistical and/or forecasting methodology
Experience applying quantitative methods to development contexts, and translating them into applied forecasting work with policy or field partners
Demonstrated ability to communicate research findings clearly to technical and non-technical audiences through oral presentations and written work
Experience designing and overseeing large-scale forecasting efforts, including methods deployed in operational or real-world settings
A record of methodological contributions to the design and evaluation of weather forecasts
Demonstrated success developing models that have been adopted by government agencies or international organizations
Salary Range: 110,000 – 140,000

Application Instructions

Applications must be submitted through the University of Chicago’s Interfolio website here.

Applications must include curriculum vitae, and up to three published or unpublished research papers.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages diverse perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange. The University’s Statements on Diversity are at https://provost.uchicago.edu/statements-diversity.

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, 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 773-834-3988 or email equalopportunity@uchicago.edu with their request