Temporary Software Contractor Jobs in Chicago, IL

Department

SSD: Economics - Staff and Temporary Employees

About the Department

For over a century, the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics has been recognized as one of the world's leading centers for economic research and education. The Department's faculty have received numerous awards, including more Nobel Prize laureates and John Bates Clark medalists in economics than any other university. Among our faculty are many members of the National Academy of Sciences, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the Econometric Society.

Job Information

Job Summary:

The University of Chicago is seeking a highly organized and motivated Temporary Research Project Coordinator to oversee a large-scale field experiment studying labor market discrimination. This position combines project management, technical operations, and research administration in support of a multi-year academic research project. The role is well suited for candidates early in their careers, including recent master's graduates who have demonstrated strong organizational, technical, or project management skills. Candidates with additional relevant experience are also encouraged to apply.

Directly reporting to Professor Evan Rose, the successful candidate will coordinate external vendors, manage complex project workflows, oversee the development and operation of custom software systems, and ensure the successful implementation of a large-scale research study. This is an ideal position for someone who enjoys solving organizational and technical problems, thrives in fast-paced environments, and is excited by the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge social science research.

This temporary position offers the opportunity to build valuable experience in research administration. Depending on departmental needs, available funding, and performance, qualified candidates may be considered for future employment opportunities at the University of Chicago.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the day-to-day management of a large, complex field experiment involving multiple parallel workstreams.
• Coordinate and manage relationships with external vendors, contractors, and research partners.
• Develop project plans, implementation timelines, and systems to track milestones, deliverables, and project progress.
• Oversee the development, testing, deployment, and maintenance of custom software and research infrastructure used to conduct the experiment.
• Serve as the primary administrator and day-to-day operator of project software, ensuring research systems function reliably and efficiently.
• Configure,maintain, troubleshoot, and improve software tools used to support study implementation, participant management, data collection, and quality assurance.
• Develop andmaintaindocumentation for software systems, research protocols, and operational workflows.
• Monitor project progress and proactivelyidentifyand resolve operational, technical, and logistical challenges.
• Coordinate research activities to ensure adherence to study protocols andhigh standardsof data quality.
• Organize meetings, track action items, and communicate project status, risks, and priorities to the research team.
• Identifyopportunities to improve project efficiency through better processes, automation, and technology.
• Other related tasks.

Competencies:

• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex tasks simultaneously whilemaintainingcareful attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Work independently, prioritize competing demands, and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated initiative and a proactive approach toidentifyingand resolving problems.
• Balance strategic planning with day-to-day operational execution.
• Adaptability and willingness to learnnew technologiesand processes.
• Work effectively in an interdisciplinary environment that combines research, technology, and project management.
• Commitment to developing efficient systems and processes that support high-quality research.

Additional Responsibilities

Education, Experience, or Certifications:

Education:

• Collegeor university degreerequired.
• Master's degree in economics, computer science, data science, statistics, public policy, information systems, engineering, or a related field; or a bachelor's degree with substantial relevant professional experiencepreferred.

Experience:

• 2 years of experiencerequired.
• 2-5years of relevant professional experiencepreferred.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple priorities, projects, or operational responsibilities in a professional environmentrequired.
• Background in computer science, software engineering, data science, computational social science, or asimilartechnical fieldpreferred.
• Managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholderspreferred.
• Working closely with software developers or managing software development projectspreferred.
• Administering or troubleshooting software systems in a production environmentpreferred.
• Background with software testing, debugging, or quality assurancepreferred.
• Prior experience supporting academic research, randomized controlled trials, audit studies, or other large-scale research projectspreferred.
• Managing external vendors or contractor relationshipspreferred.

Technical Knowledge or Skills:

• Demonstrated technical aptitude and the ability to quickly learn new software systems and technologiesrequired.
• Familiarity with Python, SQL, Git, APIs, cloud computing platforms, and modern software development workflowspreferred.
• Familiarity with databases, survey platforms, automated data collection systems, and other research technologiespreferred.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Hybridschedule of in-person and work from home days.
• Part-time, temporary position.

Required Documents:

• Resume/CV
• ReferencesContact Information, email and telephone number

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.
When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Temporary Staff

Scheduled Weekly Hours

30

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Frequency

Hourly

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

Pay Range

$25.00 - $37.00

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

This position is not eligible for benefits.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal 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.