Senior Research Manager

About the Trust

The University of Chicago Trust (the Trust) is a charitable trust in India, established in 2008 by an alumnus of The University of Chicago. The objectives of the UChicago Trust are to provide opportunities for grants to support agriculture, water, or educational programs, research programs, and activities for the betterment of India.

The Development Innovation Lab - India (DIL-India)

DIL-India, based at the Trust in India, is dedicated to using the tools of economics to develop innovations with the potential to benefit millions of people. We have work in work across sectors like health, education, agriculture, climate change, road safety, and others. We do so by collaborating with government agencies, firms, and non-profits in India to identify, test, and scale evidence-based solutions. 

DIL-India has a fast-growing portfolio of policy relevant research. DIL-India has a fast-growing portfolio of policy relevant research. For example, in 2025, DIL-India supported the Government of India to deliver cutting- edge AI-generated monsoon onset forecasts to almost 40 million farmers across the country. DIL-India plans to build on this work, aiming to reach more people and expand to other types of weather forecasts that have the potential to improve livelihoods and impact well-being.

Position Description

The Trust and DIL-India are seeking a full-time Senior Research Manager to support the development of economics research and policy projects in India in collaboration with Michael Kremer and other researchers. The Senior Research Manager will help manage DIL-India’s research projects in one or multiple states. The Senior Research Manager may also support policy engagements with state governments, central government and other DIL partners.

Responsibilities

  • Responsible for end-to-end implementation of research projects —including new proposal development, contracting, budgeting, donor reporting and communication, and grants management tasks associated with research needs and other project operations—while providing oversight and guidance to junior research and operations staff.
  • Conduct qualitative research, desk research, and quantitative analysis to inform research design or policy recommendations.
  • Work closely with the Lead Researchers, and Policy Managers to cultivate and sustain high-level research relationships with collaborators including governments, non-profit organizations, and donors; develop new collaborations for the organization.
  • With input from Lead researchers and other collaborators, coordinate DIL’s policy engagement and conduct outreach to key stakeholders in the state of Odisha and multiple other states
  • Develop research or policy engagement work plans, tracking milestones and deliverables across multiple projects. 
  • Administer research and data collection activities for DIL-India projects. 
  • Provide guidance and direction to DIL-India research staff including Predoctoral Associates, (Senior) Research Associates or Policy Associates.
  • Onboard and train new DIL-India staff on current research projects, UCT policies, DIL-India activities and policies.
  • Serve as the primary liaison to other programs at the University of Chicago Trust including those handling program administration.
  • All other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Education:

  • Master’s Degree in economics, public policy, or related field 
  • Graduate-level training in economics and econometrics

Experience:

  • Minimum of ​5​ years of experience, which can be a combination of graduate education and work experience.

Competencies

  • Knowledge of and experience with fieldwork in developing countries. 
  • Experience conducting research and managing research teams.
  • Experience or familiarity with development research themes in Agriculture, Public health, WASH or Education and EdTech is preferred.  
  • Practiced running randomized evaluations
  • Experience engaging with government(s) in India (preferred). 
  • A strong track record of managing complex, fast-moving programs.
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Ability to work independently and problem-solve, as well as enlist the support of other teams within the organization.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Fluent in English both orally and in writing.
  • Ability to prioritize effectively and successfully handle multiple projects simultaneously.

Working Conditions

  • Based in state capitals, with extensive travel to other states and project sites as per the requirements of their assignment(s).   
Applicant must be legally authorized to work in India

Application Documents

  • Resume/CV (required)
  • Cover Letter (required)
  • References Contact Information (3 required)

Apply Online