The Government Finance Research Center (GFRC) was founded in 2018 and is a unit of the University of Illinois Chicago’s (UIC’s) College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs (CUPPA). The purpose of the GFRC is to shape and inform public policy and scholarly discourse on government and public finance by identifying, planning, and executing research, providing reports and informed analyses, and offering inclusive venues to convene national and local discussions on fiscal and governance issues.

The Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Government Finance Research Center (GFRC) will contribute to a multi-year study of municipal water rate setting in Illinois, as well as other research projects and external funding proposals as needed. The Water Rate Setting Study is part of a state appropriation awarded to the GFRC by the Illinois General Assembly for the purpose of researching how municipalities and water districts establish rates, what factors influence rate adjustments, whether equity and affordability are integrated into the rate-setting process, how rate-setting varies between economically disadvantaged and economically advantaged communities, and how such variation impacts the accessibility of drinking water for community residents.

The position will begin on August 16, 2022 and end on August 15, 2023. The position may be renewable for a second year. Competitive salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

This position contributes to the design, management, and delivery of research projects in collaboration with other researchers, including faculty and graduate students. This includes qualitative and quantitative data collection, analysis, and reporting on research results with minimal daily supervision.

• Collaborate with the GFRC Director and Associate Director to develop objectives and design of research projects, data collection procedures, and grant proposals. Conceptualize, initiate, and execute research goals for projects.
• Formulate, coordinate, and conduct advanced research studies and analyses. Perform complex data collection and refine study design. Analyze and interpret data and evaluate research results.
• Develop and write advanced, comprehensive protocols.
• Monitor project development on an ongoing basis. Propose and implement changes as needed.
• Contribute material, prepare results, and assist in the design and writing of research findings for publications, white papers and reports, presentations, grants, and other documents for dissemination and/or publication. Author and co-author articles for publication and present at scientific symposia and conferences.
• Guide, train and advise lower-level researchers and students on techniques, methods, and procedures.
• Assist with grant and manuscript submissions as needed.

Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

• Doctoral or equivalent terminal degree (by start date) in public administration, public policy, urban planning and policy, or related field completed within the last 5 years required.
• A minimum of 3 years related research experience required; 4 years preferred.
• Possess and apply advanced knowledge of research principles, concepts, practices, and methods required. Strong quantitative analysis skills preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills required.
• Experience with statistical and spatial analysis software (e.g., R, STATA, and/or SPSS), data management, data analysis, and data visualization techniques required.
• Research background in public finance, special districts, or municipal water rate setting preferred.

A completed online application, cover letter, CV, and the names and contact information for three references are required for consideration. Please submit your application online through the following UIC Job Board link and reference job id #163642. Active screening of applicants will begin on May 16, 2022 and will continue until the position is filled. For questions regarding this position, please contact Dr. Amanda Kass, GFRC Associate Director, at akass6@uic.edu, or Dr. Deborah A. Carroll, GFRC Director, at deborahc@uic.edu.