Empirical Research Fellow

Department: Kellogg MEDS and Opns
Salary/Grade: NEX/15

Job Summary:

As an Empirical Research Fellow, you will collaborate with faculty and PhD students at the Kellogg School of Management to work on empirical or theoretical economics research projects. You will typically work on multiple projects at a time, and your contributions might span all aspects of the research life cycle.

Candidates should have an interest in applying for a quantitative Ph.D. program, preferably in Economics or a related field, and pursuing an academic research career. The ideal candidate will have: (i) a strong quantitative background; (ii) strong computer skills including programming; (iii) past experience with research, including independent work (such as an undergrad thesis) or work as a research assistant. A background in Economics is a plus, but not necessary; in fact, we encourage candidates with strong technical backgrounds who are looking to receive more exposure to Economics or Finance.

Potential research duties vary, but may include: collecting and validating new research datasets, performing statistical analyses on large databases, programming simulations of theoretical models, and proving theoretical results.

Successful candidates will have completed at least bachelor's degree by the employment start date. If selected, you will be offered a one-year appointment, with the ability to renew for one year based on performance.

Your application should include a cover letter or personal statement describing your career/academic goals (including future graduate study) and what you hope to accomplish with the Fellowship, your CV/resume, and your most recent college transcripts.

Specific Responsibilities:

Research Project Execution

• Work closely with multiple faculty members as a project team member on multiple new or ongoing research projects.
• Collect, maintain, and document original research datasets, and proactively test for data integrity.
• As necessary, merge together data sources, create new variables, and reformat data to prepare it for analysis.
• Assist data analysis by performing applied statistical techniques.
• Write programs to simulate the results from theoretical models and/or solve constrained optimization problems.
• Produce tables, figures, and/or other research outputs as needed.

Research Production

• Might assist faculty members with literature reviews, development of theoretical economic models, and reviewing drafts of papers.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• A strong understanding of applied statistical concepts;

• Computer programming skills using at least one commonly used statistical programming language - such as R, Stata, Matlab, and/or SAS;

• Strong habits documenting datasets and program code;

• Demonstrated ability to work independently to solve problems; and

• A long-term interest in pursuing research in Economics, Finance, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience working as a Research Assistant or conducting one's own original research.

• Working knowledge of various data formats, database structures, and tagging schema is preferred.

• Experience working with lower-level or scripting programming languages - such as Python, bash, Java, C, etc.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Knowledge of theoretical concepts and common datasets used in Economics or Finance is desired, but not required.

Pay: $25.55/hr

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.

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