Research Intern

Job Description

Organization:

Location: Kenya

Start Date (Earliest): 20 September 2025

About the organization

In East Africa, DIL has active work in Kenya, Rwanda and Ethiopia across a variety of different sectors including agriculture, education, access to finance and weather forecast dissemination.

The Development Innovation Lab (DIL) at the University of Chicago uses the tools of economics to develop innovations with the potential to benefit millions of people in low- and middle-income countries. It was founded and is led by Nobel laureate Michael Kremer.

Job summary

DIL is seeking a Research Intern to collaborate on new and ongoing research in development economics in Kenya. This role will work closely with DIL’s Assistant Director of Research & Policy and (Senior) Research Associates.

This is an exciting opportunity to gain experience with statistical coding (STATA, R, Python) and support primary research in Kenya under the mentorship of leading global economists. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated interest in the development sector and research.

Responsibilities

• Implement research in development economics.
• Conduct research data cleaning and data analysis.
• Assist in drafting, fact-checking and proof-reading scientific/research related papers.
• Develop scientific literature reviews.
• Assist with day-to-day administrative tasks of the lab.
• Transcribing/ Note-taking for key meetings with partner organizations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education
  • Currently pursuing an undergraduate or Master’s degree in Economics, Statistics, or a related field
  • Significant coursework in a economics and mathematics

• Required Qualifications
  • Experience with a statistical analysis package such as R, Python, Matlab or Stata
  • Demonstrated interest in research and international development
  • Excellent management and organizational skills along with strong quantitative skills.
  • Flexible, self-motivating, able to manage multiple tasks efficiently, and a team player.
  • Strong communication, and presentation skills
  • Fluency in both English and knowledge of the local language(s)

Formal employment will be through Mauve, an in-country employer of record (“EoR) under contract with DIL.

Additional details regarding salary, benefits and terms and conditions of employment offered by Mauve will be provided to individuals during the hiring process.

How to Apply

Application materials

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• Contact information for 2 academic or professional references.

https://dil.uchicago.edu/research-intern-kenya/

Applications will be received until this position is filled.