Join the Research Team as a Predoctoral Fellow

The Center for the Economics of Human Development is looking for predoctoral fellows for a number of projects related to the economics of early childhood development and related topics. Candidates of all levels will be considered. Terms of at least two years are preferred; permanent positions are available.

The Center is directed by Professor James Heckman, and the portfolio extends to work with senior research affiliates, global partners, and community collaborators. Predoctoral fellows will work collaboratively with Executive Director Alison Baulos and other researchers at the center to build a portfolio of work that is at the frontier of the economics of early childhood development.  They may also work with the Center’s faculty collaborators and scholars-in-residence on new and ongoing projects in economics fields.

Current projects on early childhood development include launching a field experiment based on the Preparing for Life home visiting program in Ireland, adapting to a local community in Chicago. Other work includes ongoing longitudinal analysis of Perry, Abecedarian and IHDP programs; formulating new studies on omnibus programs, such as Early Head Start and Head Start; examining the role of childcare quality in child development; understanding the role of family and community in child development; understanding vulnerable populations such as foster care and families experiencing homelessness; and other ideas as considered.

Research professionals will lead intellectual inquiry and project scopes, conduct literature reviews, identify datasets, organize data, conduct statistical analysis, and write academic publications and white papers as a coauthor. They may also participate in writing grants, giving presentations, and participate in high-level meetings with funders and policymakers.

Candidates should have completed (or be near completing) a Bachelor’s, Master’s or graduate degree in economics and will have: (i) a strong quantitative background; (ii) excellent programming skills; (iii) past experience with research, including independent work (such as an undergrad thesis) or work as a research assistant.

Please contact jjh.info@uchicago.edu for more information.