Social Science Researcher Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

The University of Notre Dame is more than a workplace! We are a vibrant, mission-driven community where every employee is valued and supported. Rooted in a tradition of excellence and inspired by our Catholic character, Notre Dame is committed to fostering an environment of care that nurtures the whole person-mind, body, and spirit. Here, you will find a deep sense of belonging, a culture that prioritizes well-being, and the opportunity to grow your career while being a force for good in the world. Whether contributing to world-class research, shaping the student experience, or supporting the University's mission in other ways, you will be part of a dedicated team working to make a meaningful impact on campus and beyond. At Notre Dame, your work matters, and so do you!

At the Pulte Institute for Global Development, an integral part of the Keough School of Global Affairs at the University of Notre Dame, we combine world class teaching and research faculty with a dedicated team of experienced international development professionals, administrators, and researchers. Together, we address global poverty and inequality through policy, practice, and partnership.

Housed within the Institute, the Building Inclusive Growth (BIG) Lab advances rigorous quantitative research to identify, evaluate, and scale solutions that promote inclusive economic growth and reduce poverty around the world. In close partnership with governments, nonprofits, multilateral organizations, and communities, we conduct high quality empirical research and produce academic papers that directly inform international development policy and practice. Our diverse portfolio spans economic development, labor markets, education, health, political economy, financial inclusion, and social protection.

To drive this mission forward, the BIG Lab is seeking a highly motivated Research Manager to oversee and coordinate a portfolio of research projects and impact evaluations.

The Opportunity:

• Structure: Full time, initial two year term, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and funding availability.
• Reporting and Collaboration: You will report to the Associate Director of Research and work closely with faculty affiliates, research staff, graduate students, and external partners.
• Location: South Bend, IN is the preferred location to facilitate this close, on site collaboration.

Your Impact: 

As Research Manager, you will play a critical role in ensuring that research projects are conducted efficiently, effectively, and ethically from initial inception through final dissemination. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting edge development economics research with direct implications for global policy and practice.

The successful candidate will bring strong project management skills, hands on experience supporting rigorous social science research, a proven track record of managing fieldwork, and a demonstrated ability to collaborate seamlessly across both academic and practitioner communities.

Responsibilities will include: 

• Overseeing data collection activities in LMIC contexts, ensuring data quality, conducting analysis using STATA, and presenting research findings to academic, policy, and practitioner audiences 
• Managing and coordinating research projects, including project planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting activities 
• Collaborating with faculty investigators and implementation partners to design and implement impact evaluations, randomized controlled trials, and other applied research studies 
• Managing project budgets, timelines, and research operations to ensure efficient use of resources 
• Supervising, training, and mentoring research associates, research assistants, and student researchers to ensure high-quality project execution 
• Supporting the development of grant proposals, donor reports, and partner communications 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Master's degree in economics, public policy, political science, sociology, international development, or a related social science field.
• At least three years of professional experience managing research projects, preferably in development economics, impact evaluation, or applied social science research.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating complex projects involving multiple stakeholders and deadlines.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills, including experience working with large datasets.
• Proficiency with statistical software such as Stata, R, Python, or equivalent.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must have authorization to work in the US without visa sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Education:  Ph.D. in economics, public policy, political science, sociology, or a related field.
• Experience managing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and field-based impact evaluations.
• Experience working with international research partners, governments, NGOs, or multilateral organizations.
• Experience supervising research staff and mentoring junior researchers.
• Familiarity with research ethics protocols, Institutional Review Board (IRB) processes, and human subjects research.
• Experience preparing grant proposals, donor reports, and academic publications.
• Experience managing surveys.

Compensation: Up to $85,000, commensurate with experience

This position will be accepting applications until July 15, 2026.

Interested applicants should submit the following:

• Cover letter
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• A recent writing sample
• Contact information for three professional references

The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in employment. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.