Full Time Research Assistant

Zarek Brot and Joshua Gottlieb are seeking a full-time predoctoral research assistant. The research assistant will be based at the University of Chicago starting Summer 2027.

The research assistant will closely work on new and ongoing research by both PIs on the economics of the health care industry. Topics research assistants have recently worked on for us (and may work on in the future) include the economics of health care administrative issues such as billing hassles and prior authorization; returns to scale in health care production; antitrust concerns regarding mergers and acquisitions of health care providers; and labor markets for physicians. You can see our prior work on our research websites: https://sites.google.com/site/zarekcb/ and https://gottlieb.ca/

Responsibilities will include cleaning and managing large datasets, conducting econometric analyses, assisting with literature reviews and gathering background information, and helping with the preparation of manuscripts for publication or slides for presentations. You will also interact frequently with our faculty and graduate student collaborators, and will have the opportunity to attend seminars on campus at Chicago.

The ideal candidate should be completing (or have completed) a bachelor’s or master’s degree in economics, public policy, education, statistics, computer science, mathematics, or a related field. and will have: (i) a strong quantitative background, (ii) strong programing skills (including the ability to effectively integrate new AI tools into coding where helpful), (iii) long-term interest in pursuing research in economics, (iv) an excellent academic record, and (v) some prior experience with research, including independent work (such as an undergrad or master’s thesis) and/or work as a research assistant. Some background in economics and econometrics is recommended but is not required. Candidates with strong technical backgrounds who are looking for more exposure to economics are encouraged to apply.

The selected candidate will be offered a one-year appointment will the ability to renew for one year based on performance. Strong preference will be given to applicants who have the potential to work for two years.

TO APPLY: Please submit a single pdf document containing the following materials using this link: (ADP Link)

1. A cover letter describing:
a. Why you are interested in the position

b. The start and end dates for which you would be able to fill this position

c. Your familiarity with programing languages (e.g., Stata, R, Python)

d. Your prior experience as a research assistant and/or with independent research projects (e.g., an undergraduate or master’s thesis)

e. Names, e-mail addresses, and phone numbers of 2-3 references. Please indicate how the references are familiar with your work, especially if you have worked for them as a research assistant or they have supervised an independent research project of yours.

f. One recommendation letter from one of these references.

2. A current CV, including:
a. All relevant information on undergraduate and graduate degrees completed or will be completed before start date including: institution, degree, field of study, and GPA

3. All relevant undergraduate and graduate transcripts (unofficial is fine)

4. An original research paper or writing sample (if available).

5. An original coding sample. A link to a Github repository is OK.

Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Short-listed applicants will be required to complete a technical exercise and may be called for an interview.

The NBER is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability.

The NBER will make reasonable accommodation for any disabled applicant, and will provide assistance to disabled applicants as needed during the application process.