Research Associate - Health Sciences Research - Chicago Loop Hybrid Office

Job Summary

NORC at the University of Chicago is seeking a Research Associate I to join the Health Sciences Research Department. The team develops and tests field-based surveys and interventions designed to improve care delivery, disseminate successful evidence‑based programs, and engage stakeholders to enhance quality, efficiency, and patient outcomes. This Research Associate I will provide general support for research projects and department administration, with a focus on rigorous research in real‑world settings.

This is a hybrid role based in the Chicago Loop office, requiring a minimum of six days per month on site.

The Health Sciences staff produce rich data on health care priorities, using innovative survey methods, electronic clinical data, and health information technology. They evaluate federal investments in informatics and support patient‑centered outcomes research, mobile health, and large implementation science projects involving patient safety and quality.

• Provide general research support on quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods projects.
• Prepare background research, including literature reviews and environmental scans on key topics.
• Test data collection instruments and systems.
• Assist with data preparation, cleaning, and coding.
• Conduct statistical analyses of survey data for reports or ad‑hoc requests.
• Contribute to the preparation of reports, tables, and graphs.
• Support business development tasks, such as proposal preparation.
• Take notes at meetings and draft initial minutes.

• Bachelor's degree in political science, psychology, communications, survey methodology, or another social science discipline.
• At least 6 months of research experience (internships included) in social sciences, with qualitative and/or quantitative methods.
• Outstanding interpersonal, critical reasoning, analytical, and writing skills.
• Strong problem‑solving capabilities.
• Attention to detail, strong organizational and time‑management skills.
• Ability to meet multiple priorities simultaneously, working independently and collaboratively.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications (Teams, SharePoint, One Note).
• Experience with standard statistical software packages (e.g., SAS, NVivo) is beneficial.
• Occasional travel for site visits and meetings may be required.
• Qualified applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S. Visa sponsorship is not available.

The pay for this position is $56,000.

• Generously subsidized health insurance, effective on the first day of employment.
• Dental and vision insurance.
• A defined‑contribution retirement program, plus a separate voluntary 403(b) program.
• Group life insurance, long‑term and short‑term disability insurance.
• Benefits that promote work/life balance, including paid time off, holidays, paid parental leave, bereavement leave, tuition assistance, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

NORC is an objective, non‑partisan research institution that delivers reliable data and rigorous analysis to guide critical programmatic, business, and policy decisions. Since 1941, we have conducted groundbreaking studies, created innovative methods and tools, and advanced principles of scientific integrity and collaboration.

For over 80 years, NORC has evolved, moving the needle with research methods and technical applications. Our tradition of excellence, passion for innovation, and commitment to collegiality remain constants. With world‑class benefits, a business casual environment, and an emphasis on continuous learning, NORC is a place where people pursue stellar research and analysis and build lasting relationships within a supportive community.

NORC is an equal opportunity employer. NORC evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, sexual orientation, and other legally protected characteristics.