Research Manager, Behavioral Insights and Parenting Lab

Company: University of Chicago
Location: Chicago
Posted on: April 2, 2026

Job Description:

Department Harris CHPPP/BIP Lab Research Sub Group (2) About the Department The Behavioral Insights and Parenting Lab (BIP Lab) at the University of Chicago brings together interdisciplinary scholars to design, evaluate, and disseminate programs to help children from low-income families to achieve their full potential by improving caregivers’ engagement in their learning. The BIP Lab’s team of full-time staff, post-doc and PhD scholars, and student research assistants have worked with over 500 community partners serving low-income families with young children in Chicago and across the US. We are now launching global initiatives, as well. All the BIP Lab’s research and research-informed programs are informed by systematic data collection and analysis conducted in partnership with community institutions and the many thousands of families they serve who participate in the BIP Lab’s research programs. Job Summary Reporting to the Assistant Director, the Research Manager will manage all activities associated with the development and execution of several projects of the BIP Lab. This position oversees all aspects of the implementation of at least one grant-funded field research project including operationalizing the research design, creating research instruments, recruiting implementation partner sites and research participants, providing technical oversight of digital interventions, managing data collection and cleaning for analysis, and supporting writing of implementation reports. The Research Manager oversees the work of student research assistants supporting field research. This position also supports operations for the BIP Lab and dissemination of the lab’s work. This position is grant-funded for one year with the potential for future renewal. Responsibilities Manages project execution according to timeline and budget; oversees project planning and implementation through data collection; prepares and hands data off to data team for analysis; collaborates with data team as needed. Recruits and manages relationships with research sites and research participants; provides technical support as needed. Onboards, trains, and supervises field research assistants. Obtains Internal Review Board (IRB) approval and maintains protocol through project lifecycle; manages project operations according to IRB rules and regulations for research consent, data, and security considerations. Supports development of surveys, assessments, and other research instruments. Tracks program expenditures; makes program-related purchases in accordance with grant budget terms; manages revolving fund for payments to research participants. Documents and maintains project implementation protocols and logs. Supports pre- and post- grant writing and reporting processes as needed. Conducts pre-award literature reviews and other secondary research. Writes post-award implementation sections of grant reports. Applies research principles and subject matter knowledge relevant to administer a research project. With a moderate level of direction, manages lab and/or research-related duties and tasks. Helps develop, design and conduct research projects according to plan. Supports data collection and analytical needs of research projects. Conducts literature reviews and helps write reports and manuscripts. Ensures project compliance with different policies, procedures, directives, and mandates. Takes responsibility for the following research-related 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. 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 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline. Certifications: Preferred Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study (psychology, public policy, sociology, education, or related social science discipline). Master’s degree. Experience: Project management. Familiarity with research design and implementation, data management, and procedures of a university IRB. Working with community-based organizations and with racially/ethnically diverse populations. Preferred Competencies Able to take initiative, problem solve with minimal supervision, exercise good judgment, prioritize, make decisions, and work under pressure during high volume times. Bilingual in English and Spanish a bonus. Driver’s license and willingness to travel to research sites (ownership of a vehicle is not a requirement). Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Aptitude for managing logistics, analytical skills, keen attention to detail, resourceful, and effective time manager. Excellent team player – collaborative, reliable, able to receive and give constructive feedback, flexible, supportive. Application Documents Resume (required) Cover letter (preferred) NOTE: When applying, all required documents MUST be uploaded under the Resume/CV section of the application. When applying, the document(s) MUST be 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 $63,000.00 - $67,500.00 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.

Keywords: University of Chicago, Chicago , Research Manager, Behavioral Insights and Parenting Lab, Science, Research & Development , Chicago, Illinois