PreDoc | LEO (start dates summer 2027)

LEO is looking for a proactive, self-starter who desires to be part of solving one of the most critical issues our nation faces today – poverty. The PreDoc will support the work of impact evaluation in partnership with researchers and on-the-ground service providers to create evidence around what works in the fight against poverty.

Who We Are

The Wilson Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities (LEO) at the University of Notre Dame is a research center dedicated to reducing poverty and improving lives in the United States through evidence-based programs and policies. LEO matches top research with passionate leaders in social service agencies to conduct impact evaluations that identify the innovative, effective, and scalable programs and policies that help people move permanently out of poverty.

Who We Need

The PreDoc will work closely with primary investigators (PIs) on impact evaluations taking significant ownership of projects, from independently coordinating project logistics, to data analysis, and finally dissemination of results. On occasion, past efforts have proven substantial enough to lead to co-authorship on published papers.

The PreDoc’s responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

• Project Management (25-50%)
• Drive forward and manage a portfolio of approximately 5-6 active LEO research projects at varying stages of the research lifecycle
• Work closely with social service agencies to integrate evaluation into their programs’ everyday operations
• Lead regularly-scheduled researcher-partner calls with social service organizations
• Liaise between PIs and partner organizations, clarifying concerns and handling project logistics
• Arrange and conduct site visits to agency partners with PIs
• Data Collection, Management, and Analysis (25-50%)
• Clean, organize, and construct datasets to ensure accuracy and consistency of data
• Perform analyses and produce key figures and results
• Coordinate data exchanges between LEO, social service agencies, and/or government agencies
• Construct, implement, and maintain survey questionnaires
• Inter- and Intradepartmental Support (10%)
• Engage in regular research operations staff meetings, raising common challenges and providing feedback as necessary
• Carry out team-identified quarterly projects aimed at improving internal processes
• Work with other LEO departments to complete project-related administrative tasks
• Supervise and mentor undergraduate interns during a ten-week summer internship and/or the academic year
• Writing (10%)
• Assist in the composition of key project documents (e.g. pre-analysis plans, literature reviews, grant proposals and reports, research paper drafts, etc.)
• Draft and execute important contracts (e.g. data-sharing agreements, reliance agreements, IRB proposals / amendments, etc.)
• Dissemination (5%)
• Present results and project updates to agency partners, senior LEO leadership and staff, and other key stakeholders, attending conferences and other venues as needed
  

This position is a 1-year appointment at the University of Notre Dame (on campus in South Bend, IN) with the possibility of renewal for a second term. The ideal candidate is interested in investing 2 years in the role.

PreDocs are supported by a positive work environment and a robust team of fellow researchers, including other PreDocs and research faculty.

Previous PreDocs have proceeded to attend master’s and PhD programs - including at the following institutions: Boston College, Cornell University, Princeton University, Stanford University, University of California, Davis, University of Notre Dame, Vanderbilt University - or to pursue careers in education, government, entrepreneurship, economics, administration, consulting, and more.

To learn more about the role, see reflections from past and current RAs.

More About LEO

Founded as a research center in the Department of Economics at the University of Notre Dame just over 13 years ago, LEO has quickly risen to prominence as a leader in evidence-based interventions against poverty.

Since Our Founding In 2012, LEO Has

• Attracted over $50 million in endowed gifts in support of our mission
• Secured $17.3 million in research funding and support from private foundations and government sources
• Launched nearly 100 active and completed research projects, with dozens more in the project pipeline
• Published in leading peer-reviewed journals
• Grown to nearly 50 full-time faculty and staff
• Forged partnerships with innovative providers of services to people living in poverty across the country
• Developed an extensive nationwide network of faculty affiliates

Qualifications

We encourage you to apply for this position even if you do not possess every skill or qualification listed.

Required

• A deep commitment to the mission of both LEO and the University of Notre Dame
• A bachelor’s degree in Economics or related social science field
• Training in econometric and statistical techniques employed in randomized evaluations
• Extensive statistical programming experience (STATA, R, SAS)
• Highly organized with the ability to juggle multiple demands and timelines simultaneously
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Strong project management skills
• Self-directed with the willingness to take initiative over project tasks and offer input in research decision-making
• A desire to work in a fast-paced, team-based environment

Preferred

• Experience working for economic researchers as a research assistant
• Experience working for or with social service providers
• Commitment to two years in this role

Application Instructions

Please submit your cover letter and resume no later than 11:59 PM EST on Wednesday, September 9th. In addition, please upload a separate document with answers to the following questions:

• Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?
• Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment at Notre Dame?
• Have you applied to a LEO position in the past?
• Why are you interested in working for LEO?

Lastly, you will be invited to particpate in a Culture Index Assessment after submitting your application. Please complete this task within 24 hours of being prompted to do so.

Applicants who have not provided all required information/documents (i.e. Interfolio application, cover letter, resume, question/answer document, and Culture Index Assessment) will not be considered. Additional documents (like transcripts and letters of recommendation) are welcome.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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.

Dual Career Assistance

To support relocating families, Notre Dame’s Dual Career Assistance Program helps spouses and partners pursue local career opportunities.

Background Check

This appointment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Applicants will be asked to identify all felony convictions and/or pending felony charges. Felony convictions do not automatically bar an individual from employment. Each case will be examined separately to determine the appropriateness of employment in the particular position. Failure to be forthcoming or dishonesty with respect to felony disclosures can result in the disqualification of a candidate. The full procedure can be viewed at https://facultyhandbook.nd.edu/?id=link-73597.