Data Scientist supporting social science research and analytics

Position: Data Scientist I supporting social science research and analytics
JOB SUMMARY:

NORC at the University of Chicago is seeking a qualified Data Scientist I to join the Methodology and Quantitative Social Sciences department and support innovative research and analytics. The Data Scientist I works collaboratively with methodologists, researchers, statisticians, software developers, and subject matter experts throughout the research lifecycle, including study design, data collection, quality assessment, quantitative analysis, and dissemination of results.

This role combines strong foundations in data management, research methodology, and computational social science to develop methodological and data science solutions that improve research, operational efficiency, and decision-making. The Data Scientist I will contribute to projects involving structured and unstructured data, survey data, administrative records, commercial data, text data, and other novel data sources. Responsibilities may include developing data pipelines, implementing data management approaches, maintaining analytical workflows, conducting analysis and creating data visualizations, and assisting in the writing and dissemination of results.

The ideal candidate possesses strong social science research and data expertise, written and communication skills, R programming expertise, experience building reproducible analytical workflows, and an interest in applying advanced methods to solve complex research and business problems. Data Scientists are expected to manage multiple assignments, contribute to projects and proposals, stay current with emerging analytic tools, and work effectively in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment.

Location:

This is a hybrid role based in our Chicago Loop office, with a minimum of six days per month in the office. Qualified applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S. We regret that we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position. DEPARTMENT:
Methodology and Quantitative Social Sciences (MQSS) The Methodology and Quantitative Social Sciences (MQSS) department implements state-of-the-art methodologies and develops innovations to deliver reliable data and rigorous analysis to guide critical programmatic, business and policy decisions for NORC clients. The department provides leadership throughout the project lifecycle on study design, data collection, assessment of data quality, quantitative analysis, and dissemination of results.

The Methodological and Quantitative Social Sciences department also conducts its own research and is a leader in designing and implementing rigorous, efficient methods for gathering, evaluating, and analyzing data from primary and secondary sources. The department provides expertise and leads NORC strategy on the use of a broad range of methods and techniques, including research and experimental design, recruitment and retention, instrument design and testing, assessing data quality, evaluating measurement properties of new measures, causal inference methods, machine learning, analysis of clustered data, data visualization, use of novel data sources and technologies to improve data gathering, and building AI solutions that support NORC’s research.

The department collaborates with the Statistics and Data Science Department on areas of synergy and intersection and with all NORC subject matter departments, in addition to leading its own projects. RESPONSIBILITIES:
Apply computational and machine learning methods to support survey research, evaluation studies, and other social science research initiatives Contribute to and review the methodological/analytical sections of reports, tables/graphics, presentations, dashboards, and other deliverables Assist with proposal and business development activities related to…