One of the goals of the Chicago Price Theory Initiative is to attract the most talented scholars with an interest and aptitude in combining innovative empirical work with theoretical tools in the price theory tradition of the University of Chicago.
When the Becker Center was founded by Richard O. Ryan, MBA ‘66, it established the Becker Fellows Program as a key mechanism to accomplishing this goal. These postdoctoral fellows received the opportunity to work with and be mentored by the faculty at the Becker Center while pursuing their own research without teaching responsibilities.
The initial Becker Fellows have gone on to be productive and innovative researchers at the University of Chicago and elsewhere.
They include:
Today, the program continues under the auspices of the Becker Friedman Institute, which appoints Becker Friedman Research Scholars. These are exceptional young scholars who have just completed their PHD or are in the first three years of their research career. In addition, two-year pre/postdoctoral positions may also be available for exceptional candidates in the final year of their doctoral studies.
The positions offer the opportunity to focus on research and sharpen their skills for one or two years before accepting tenure-track teaching positions. Research Scholars enjoy the time and freedom to pursue broader and more creative avenues of inquiry on important questions.
The Institute welcomes nominations of candidates for these positions. Generally, candidates should be proposed by faculty under whom they have studied. See complete details on how to how to nominate a candidate here.