Principal Researcher
University of Chicago
Summary
The Postdoctoral Principal Researcher/Behavioral Science Instructor role is designed to support a talented behavioral scientist in generating significant research contributions to behavioral science disciplines, such as psychology or behavioral economics. The primary duty for the Principal Researcher will be to conduct research both independently and in collaboration with Booth Faculty in the Roman Family Center for Decision Research (RF-CDR), with particular encouragement to advance high-quality, cutting-edge experimental research. Accordingly, demonstrate an outstanding capacity to generate original research questions and implement studies to investigate those questions in unique experimental settings, such as companies, public spaces, and museums. The Principal Researcher will teach two sections of a one quarter-length course per year in order to gain experience for teaching behavioral science in a business school setting. The Principal Researcher is also expected to participate in the academic life of the school, including attending workshops and seminars. This position is initially for one year, with the possibility of up to two additional years.
Job description
Responsibilities
- Participates in study design, data acquisition and analysis, manuscript development, and presentation/publication of results.
- Teaches two sections of a quarter-long behavioral science class each academic year. The teaching component of this role is 20% to 25% of the role.
- Uses subject matter and best practices knowledge to perform lab and/or research-related duties and tasks.
- Works independently to assist with project design.
- Guides data collection, evaluation and analysis.
- Designs and manages databases.
- Writes reports, articles and manuscripts.
- Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field. Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Preferred Qualifications
Education: Ph.D., earned or expected by September 2027, in psychology, economics, or other behavioral science discipline. Experience: Strong teaching experience.
Preferred Competencies
- Strong record of research productivity in behavioral science.
- Interact with faculty, students, and staff successfully.
- Good organizational skills and attention to detail.
Working Conditions
This position is currently expected to work a minimum three days per week in the office.
Requirements
- College or university degree in related field
- 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline
- Ph.D. in psychology, economics, or other behavioral science discipline (preferred)
- Strong teaching experience (preferred)
- Strong record of research productivity in behavioral science (preferred)
- Ability to interact with faculty, students, and staff successfully (preferred)
- Good organizational skills and attention to detail (preferred)
Benefits
- Health Insurance
- Retirement Plan
- Paid Time Off
Company overview
The University of Chicago is a world-renowned private research university founded in 1890 and located in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood. As a premier academic institution, it operates one of the most comprehensive biomedical research enterprises in the United States through its Biological Sciences Division, which includes over 1,100 faculty members across 10 basic science and 14 clinical departments. The university manages extensive research infrastructure including the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center, multiple specialized research institutes, and maintains affiliations with Argonne National Laboratory and Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. With research funding exceeding $450 million annually and more than 3,300 patents filed since 1987, the institution is a global leader in scientific discovery and innovation. The Biological Sciences Division alone supports over 500 research-active faculty who secure an average of $588,000 in NIH funding per principal investigator, focusing on areas including cancer biology, immunology, microbiology, molecular metabolism, neuroscience, and evolutionary biology. The university's commitment to interdisciplinary research and its unique position as manager of national laboratories creates unparalleled opportunities for translational research and scientific advancement.