JOE Listings (Job Openings for Economists)

August 1, 2026 - January 31, 2027

University of Chicago

Development Innovation Lab
SSD
Postdoctoral Scholar

JOE ID Number: 2026-02_111478543
Date Posted: 11/12/2026
Position Title/Short Description
Title: Postdoctoral Scholar
Section: US: Other Academic (Visiting or Temporary)
Location: Chicago, Illinois, UNITED STATES
JEL Classification: D0 -- General
Keywords:
Development Economics
Full Text of JOE Listing:

Department
Development Innovation Lab

About the Department
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 by Nobel Laureate Michael Kremer, who serves as its Faculty Research Director.

Job Summary
DIL is seeking full-time postdoctoral scholars to lead and contribute to work with the Faculty Research Director (Michael Kremer) and other researchers on development economics research projects. We expect the postdoctoral role to be a one-year position.

Previous one-year postdocs with DIL have launched successful research projects in collaboration with the Faculty Research Director and others before transitioning to academic positions at other institutions.


Responsibilities
Under the direction of Faculty Research Director Michael Kremer, conduct research in the field of development economics. Research priorities will be set in conversation with the Faculty Research Director.

The postdocs will provide input on cross-cutting lab activities or DIL public goods as required.

Minimum Qualifications
PhD in economics or related field by the start of the position.
PhD level training in the methods of economics
Knowledge of and experience with field work in developing countries

Preferred Qualifications
Experience leading or running randomized control trials.
Preferred competencies
Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Licenses and Certifications
Working Conditions

Postdoctoral scholar positions are based in Chicago, IL. Additionally, candidates must be willing to travel flexibly as needed for their respective responsibilities, including for field research.

Review of applications will begin as early as November, and continue until the positions are filled or the search has closed.

The initial postdoctoral researcher appointment will be for one year with the possibility of renewal for an additional year, conditional on evaluation. Normally, individuals cease to be eligible for Postdoctoral Researcher positions seven years after the award of the degree. The total duration of an individual’s postdoctoral experience may not exceed seven years, including postdoctoral work at other institutions.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All University departments and institutes are charged with building a faculty from a diversity of backgrounds and with diverse viewpoints; with cultivating an inclusive community that values freedom of expression; and with welcoming and supporting all their members.

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.


Application Requirements:
  • Letters of Reference
  • Job Market Paper
  • Cover Letter
  • CV
Application deadline: 12/06/2026