University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy

Position Title/Short Description

Full Text of JOE Listing:

Description:
The Stone Center for Research on Wealth Inequality and Mobility at the Harris School of Public Policy seeks a Research Associate to join its community of scholars working to advance research on the nature of contemporary inequalities using a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach that emphasizes that inequalities are the outcome of a multidimensional dynamic process that operates at the individual, family, social, and political levels. The center’s research priorities include wealth inequality and intergenerational mobility.

The Research Associate will engage in independent research on intergenerational mobility and income inequality dynamics. They are encouraged to pursue joint projects and collaborations with, and act as scientific thought partners to, the Stone Center’s directors, Professors Steven Durlauf, Damon Jones, and Geoff Wodtke, as well as other core researchers with scientific interests in income inequality, intergenerational mobility, economic growth, international labor migration, and demography. They will reside at the Harris School at the University of Chicago, which provides access to a wealth of seminars and opportunities for collaboration across campus. Compensation will be commensurate with experience and comprehensive benefits plans will be available. Research funds are available for presentations and/or projects in close alignment with the center’s core research agenda. Multi-year arrangements have proven to be the most productive in defining and executing projects.

Qualifications:
To achieve its mission of producing groundbreaking research and informing policy on the causes of socioeconomic inequality, the center seeks a Research Associate with extensive experience in performing quantitative research in the social sciences in the context of advanced industrialized societies (i.e., U.S., or cross-nationally comparable settings) with an emphasis on applying mathematical tools to study these problems. The center is especially interested in candidates with strong backgrounds in probability theory and dynamical systems as such tools are integral to the methodological work that will be pursued. Particular importance is attached to the facility with the frontiers of Markov chain theory. Applicants should have a rigorous and well-rounded understanding of empirical research tools, such as economic theory, statistics, and mathematical methods. Applications are highly encouraged from researchers with backgrounds in applied mathematics and economics.

Candidates are expected to have completed their PhD and gained a minimum of two years of postdoctoral experience by the appointment start date. To apply for this one-year renewable position, candidates must submit their application through the University of Chicago’s Interfolio academic jobs board at: apply.interfolio.com/122972. Applicants must upload: 1) research statement; 2) curriculum vitae; 3) one writing sample; and 4) two letters of recommendation. Applicants may also submit optional documents such as a third letter of reference and/or an additional writing sample. Review of applications will begin on April 21, 2023 and continue until the position is filled.

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.

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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.