Pre-Doctoral (Post-Baccalaureate Research Fellow)

Department: Law Administration
Salary/Grade: NEX/6

Target hiring range for this position will be between be $45-60k per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Job Summary:

We seek a highly skilled and motivated individual to work as a full-time Post-Baccalaureate Res Fellow with Incoming Assistant Professor Chika O. Okafor at Northwestern University for a period of up to two years. Professor Okafor will begin his appointment at Northwestern in the 2025-26 academic year. The fellow will play a critical role in research projects at the intersection of economics, law, and policy, with a focus on criminal legal systems, climate change, inequality, and potential policy interventions.

This position is ideal for those considering a PhD in Economics, Public Policy, or a related field, providing hands-on research training and direct mentorship in law and economics, environmental and energy economics, and applied microeconomics more broadly. The fellow will gain deep exposure to economic research methodologies, advanced data analysis, and policy-relevant applications.

Why This Role?

This position offers the opportunity to contribute to high-impact studies that influence policy debates. The fellow will gain top-tier research experience, receive academic advising, and strengthen their PhD applications. They will be part of a collaborative research environment, working closely with faculty and other researchers in a stimulating intellectual community. The role provides exclusive access to confidential microdata from the U.S. Census Bureau, requiring Special Sworn Status, and engages with economics, law, and public policy through a unique cross-disciplinary research agenda. Fellows will also develop advanced technical skills in data analysis, econometrics, and research design, participate in research seminars, workshops, and academic conferences, and receive guidance on PhD applications. This opportunity provides a strong foundation for those planning to pursue doctoral studies in top-tier programs. The ideal candidate is intellectually curious, driven, and detail-oriented, with strong analytical skills and a passion for research.

About Professor Okafor

Professor Chika O. Okafor will begin his appointment as an Assistant Professor at Northwestern University's Pritzker School of Law in the 2025-26 academic year, with courtesy appointments in the Department of Economics and the Kellogg School of Management. He holds a PhD in Economics from Harvard, a JD from Yale, and a BA from Stanford. His research tackles urgent policy challenges through quantitative economic analysis, offering the fellow a unique opportunity to engage with rigorous, policy-relevant research.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Responsible for conducting data analysis and management, including building, cleaning, documenting, and analyzing large datasets using statistical programming.
• Involved in implementing statistical and econometric analyses to evaluate policy impacts and assist in conceptualizing and structuring research projects.
• Conducting literature reviews
• Identifying and synthesizing relevant academic and policy research
• Drafting summaries and reports to communicate findings effectively
• Working with restricted data requiring Special Sworn Status (SSS)

Minimum Qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree in Economics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Strong quantitative background and proficiency in statistical software (Stata, R, Python, or similar).
• Ability to manage multiple projects independently, problem-solve, and think critically.
• Excellent communication, time management, and organizational skills.
• Special Sworn Status (SSS) Requirement

To work with confidential U.S. Census Bureau microdata, candidates must be eligible for Special Sworn Status (SSS) and pass the associated background checks. They must have resided in the United States for at least 36 of the past 60 months. More details on the SSS process can be found at Census Bureau SSS Information: https://www.census.gov/topics/research/guidance/restricted-use-microdata/standard-application-process.html.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Interest in pursuing a PhD in Economics, Public Policy, or a related field.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.