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Predoctoral Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Research responsibilities may include participating in the design and implementation of study ... Required Qualifications In accredited predoctoral psychology program. Preferred Qualifications FLSA ...

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Predoctoral Researcher information

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$30K

$113.1K

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How much do predoctoral researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for predoctoral researcher in the United States is $113,102.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $154,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a predoctoral researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Predoctoral Researcher, you need a solid academic background in your field, strong analytical abilities, and experience with research methodologies, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with statistical software (such as SPSS, R, or Python), literature databases, and sometimes laboratory equipment is essential. Excellent critical thinking, attention to detail, and strong written and verbal communication skills help you stand out in research environments. These competencies ensure rigorous, credible research output and effective collaboration within academic teams.

What are some common challenges faced by predoctoral researchers, and how can they be overcome?

Predoctoral researchers often face challenges such as managing multiple research projects, adapting to new technical skills, and balancing coursework with research responsibilities. It can also be challenging to navigate the expectations of supervisors and develop independent research ideas. To overcome these hurdles, it's helpful to establish clear communication with mentors, create structured timelines, and actively seek feedback from colleagues. Engaging with lab members and participating in seminars or workshops can also provide support and foster professional growth.

What is a predoctoral researcher?

Predoctoral researchers are individuals who typically hold at least a bachelor's or master's degree and are engaged in research work before entering a doctoral (PhD) program. They often work in academic, research, or laboratory settings, assisting with experiments, data analysis, and scholarly publications under the supervision of established researchers. These positions provide valuable experience and training, helping individuals strengthen their research skills and academic credentials in preparation for a PhD program. Predoctoral researchers may also be referred to as research assistants or research fellows, depending on the institution.
More about Predoctoral Researcher jobs
Infographic showing various Predoctoral Researcher job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $113,102 per year, or $54.4 per hour.

Research Professional, BFI

University of Chicago Library

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


University Of Chicago rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

161st of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department

BFI - Research


About the Department

The Becker Friedman Institute for Economics (BFI) works with the Chicago Economics community to turn its evidence-based research into real-world impact. BFI takes a unique approach to bridging the divide between academic researchers and decision-makers in the business community and government by translating and packaging the rigorous work of the Chicago Economics community into accessible formats, and proactively sharing those findings with relevant decision-makers and thought leaders around the globe. BFI is a collaborative platform serving the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics, the Harris School of Public Policy, and the Law School. The Predoctoral Research in Economics Program (PREP) is intended to serve as a bridge between college and graduate school for students interested in empirical economics. The program offers unique research and professional training opportunities at the University of Chicago. For more information visit https://bfi.uchicago.edu and https://bfi.uchicago.edu/info-for/prep/.


Job Summary

The Research Professional will report to an BFI-affiliated faculty member at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics, the Harris School of Public Policy, or the University of Chicago Law School. The Research Professional's responsibilities will span all stages of research, including collecting data of in both tabular and spatial formats, developing algorithms that clean and organize data, conducting statistical analyses, running simulations, and preparing manuscripts and presentations.
This role performs routine assignments related to scientific research projects. Ensures compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives and mandates. Analyzes possible solutions using standard procedures. Writes articles, reports and manuscripts. Assists in drafting presentations on research findings.

Responsibilities

  • Cleans and analyzes data.
  • Writes or finalizes replicable data files or scripts for publication.
  • Ensures compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives, and mandates. Analyzes possible solutions using standard procedures.
  • Assists with writing data analysis plans and contributes to preparing study registration documents.
  • Supports the implementation of field experiments including supporting the design and implementation of surveys, and monitoring the quality of data collected, when needed.
  • Supports with writing of grant and policy reports and assists with drafting presentations of research findings.
  • Takes responsibility for the following non-laboratory duties: transcribing and coding data; developing data collection instruments; presenting research; and recruiting and scheduling research subjects. Acquires higher-level skills and knowledge in the process.
  • Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project.
  • Analyzes and maintains data and/or specimens. Conducts literature reviews. Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.
  • Installs, sets up and performs experiments; interacting with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigator.
  • Maintains recruiting and scheduling research subjects; assisting with developing or amending study protocols; assisting with developing data collection tools; assisting with building databases; and providing general administrative support. Has general awareness in research techniques or methods, regulatory policies and procedures, and relevant scientific field.
  • 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 < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.


Certifications:

---

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
  • Master's degree in economics, public policy, or a related field strongly preferred.

Experience:

  • Three months to one year of work experience in a related job discipline. Experience gained through coursework may be counted as relevant experience.
  • Previous research assistance experience contributing meaningfully to faculty research.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

  • Skilled in econometrics.
  • Advanced coursework in economics or mathematics.
  • Familiarity in analyzing large data sets, applying econometrics methods.
  • Knowledge of machine learning techniques in data analysis.
  • Familiarity with statistical analysis packages such as Stata, R, or Python.
  • Advanced knowledge of research techniques and methods in relevant scientific field.

Preferred Competencies

  • Understanding of academia and higher education in a research and teaching environment.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
  • Work both independently and as a team member.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

Application Documents

  • Resume/CV (required)
  • Cover Letter (required)
  • Transcripts, unofficial transcripts accepted (required)
  • Two Professional References Contact Information (required)
  • Writing Sample (required)


When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.


Job Family

Research


Role Impact

Individual Contributor


Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5


Drug Test Required

No


Health Screen Required

No


Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No


Pay Rate Type

Salary


FLSA Status

Exempt


Pay Range

$55,000.00 - $62,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.


Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.


Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, 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 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at:http://securityreport.uchicago.edu.Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.


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