Department

BFI Saieh Research Fellows

About the Department

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.

Job Summary

The Becker Friedman Institute is seeking highly accomplished, early career researchers as Saieh Family Research Fellows in Economics. The position begins during the summer of 2025 and will be either a one- or two-year term of employment, depending on whether the Fellow accepts a full-time faculty position at the University. Drawing on the rich intellectual history of Chicago Economics, BFI is an international destination for intellectual exchange on economic analysis and policy. The Institute nurtures connections and fosters new collaboration between economic scholars at Chicago and leading economists from around the world. Through its outreach programs, BFI enhances and deepens the impact that economic research at Chicago has on public policy and on the broader public debate on important economic and social issues. The Saieh Family Fellow will pursue research on leading edge themes in the study of economics. The specific area of study will reflect the research interests of the candidate. As an integral part of the Institute's research activities, the candidate will be invited to organize academic conferences, host acclaimed scholars, and engage with the rich intellectual life of the University of Chicago.

This position leads and provides expertise to the development of programs for scientific research facilities. Uses considerable on-the-job experience to ensure compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies. Works independently to write articles, reports and manuscripts, and presents research findings at meetings and/or conferences.

Saieh Family Fellows spend one year as an integral part of the BFI’s research activities, June/July 2025 through June/July 2026, free from teaching requirements. They are free to pursue their own research and are invited to take advantage of the resources available at the BFI for organizing conferences, hosting visitors and engaging with the rich intellectual life of the University of Chicago. While visiting Chicago, they are part of BFI’s Saieh Family Research Fellows in Economics seminar series, which meets monthly. Additionally, it is expected that Saieh Family Fellows will attach themselves to one of the other seminar series on campus as a regular attendee and meeting with speakers.

Responsibilities

Conducts and pursues research on leading edge themes in the study of economics. The specific area of study will reflect the research interests of the candidate.Engages with the Chicago economics community in a variety of possible ways including organizing academic conferences, hosting acclaimed scholars, and actively participating in the rich intellectual life at the University of Chicago.Spends one to two years as an integral part of the Becker Friedman Institute's research activities.Helps lead the Saieh Family Research Fellows seminar series, which meets monthly.Regularly attends and meets with speakers from one of the University's other seminar series on campus.Manages, plans, and evaluates regulatory elements of multiple or complex research projects for a designated department, program, or central unit.Ensures the identification, collection, and analysis of data that serve as a basis for outcome measurement of assigned research studies.Leads the establishment of new laboratories and provides assistance with purchasing new laboratory equipment; ensuring efficient operation of laboratory, including overseeing maintenance and repair of laboratory equipment.Improves financial, personnel, planning, compliance and other administrative aspects of research project. Collaborates with other researchers on long-range plans for research projects. Leads, investigates, modifies and applies new procedures, techniques or applications of technology. Establishes goals and operating procedures, practices, and guidelines.Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Doctoral degree in economics or related field, or will obtain doctoral degree by start date.

Experience:

Working knowledge writing peer-reviewed manuscripts.Background preparing and presenting work at meetings.
 

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

Extensive knowledge in relevant field of economics.Sound research techniques and/or methods.

Preferred Competencies

Work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.Attention to detail.Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
 

Application Documents

Resume/CV (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Research

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$130,000.00 - $150,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

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.

Posting Statement
 

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans 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.

 

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

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