Senior Research Associate I - Economics, Justice, And Society

JOB DESCRIPTION:

NORC at the University of Chicago is seeking a Senior Research Associate to support our Economics, Justice and Society Department. The Senior Research Associate will assist in conducting research covering a wide range of factors that contribute to the nation's economic and social life. 

While our main office locations are in Chicago, IL and Bethesda, MD, we will consider qualified candidates who prefer to work remotely. - #LI-DNI

DEPARTMENT:

ECONOMICS, JUSTICE AND SOCIETY

The Economics, Justice and Society (EJS) Department focuses on a broad range of topics relating to critical economic and social issues. We are home to many of NORC's largest and longest-running surveys, and we also engage in policy analysis and evaluation research relating to social programs and issues, the economy and the labor force, transportation and traffic safety, and crime and law enforcement. We work with a diverse set of clients and partners, including policy-makers and data users in national, state and local governments, academia, and the press. RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Working independently to complete individual tasks of simple to moderate complexity; developing and testing instruments for quantitative and/or qualitative data collection; participating in data editing and management; conducting qualitative or quantitative analysis of survey or existing data; and writing/preparing sections of proposals, reports, and presentations.
• Provide technical support on projects, including questionnaire design and testing, data collection, data processing and/or analysis, and report writing, for assignments of moderate to high complexity.
• Prepare literature reviews, assist in design of questionnaires and data collection forms, and assist with analysis of primary and secondary data.
• Prepare short reports/memos, and develop slides, data charts, and tables for presentation of study findings to clients and at professional meetings; may participate in presentations
• Prepare/draft deliverables, including monthly or quarterly progress reports, questionnaires/interview protocols, IRB applications, and OMB clearance packages.
• Draft supporting subsections of proposals, such as staffing and management plans, and prepare charts and exhibits; support the development of new business by conducting background research on programs, award history, and agency goals and objectives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Bachelor's Degree from accredited college or university. Degree in Social Science or related field involving quantitative analysis desired.
• At least 3 years experience in positions of increasing responsibility in social science research or related field (or equivalent education).
• Strong knowledge of the principles, processes, and methods of social science research through reading literature and experience in the field; understanding of qualitative/quantitative analysis.
• Skills required: Problem solving skills, organized and detail oriented.
• Abilities required: Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrates the ability to lead tasks. Familiarity with financial management tools.
• Problem solving skills.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong writing skills
• Detail-oriented
• Strong communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Adaptable
• Strong proficiency with MS Office software.
• Strong qualitative research skills 
• Occasional travel for site visits and meetings may be required.

Qualified applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S. We regret that we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position.  SALARY AND BENEFITS 

The pay range for this position is $70,000 - $96,000. The budgeted range for this role is: $70,000 - $75,000. 

This position is classified as regular. Regular staff are eligible for NORC's comprehensive benefits program. Benefits include, but are not limited to: 

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

NORC's Approach to Equity and Transparency 

Pay and benefits transparency helps to reduce wage gaps. As part of our commitment to pay equity and salary transparency, NORC includes a salary range for each job opening along with information about eligible benefit offerings. At NORC, we take a comprehensive approach to setting salary ranges and reviewing raises and promotions, which is overseen by a formal Salary Review Committee (SRC). 

WHAT WE DO:

NORC at the University of Chicago is an objective, non-partisan research institution that delivers reliable data and rigorous analysis to guide critical programmatic, business, and policy decisions. Since 1941, our teams have conducted groundbreaking studies, created and applied innovative methods and tools, and advanced principles of scientific integrity and collaboration. Today, government, corporate, and nonprofit clients around the world partner with us to transform increasingly complex information into useful knowledge.

WHO WE ARE:

For over 80 years, NORC has evolved in many ways, moving the needle with research methods, technical applications and groundbreaking research findings. But our tradition of excellence, passion for innovation, and commitment to collegiality have remained constant components of who we are as a brand, and who each of us is as a member of the NORC team. With world-class benefits, a business casual environment, and an emphasis on continuous learning, NORC is a place where people join for the stellar research and analysis work for which we're known, and stay for the relationships they form with their colleagues who take pride in the impact their work is making on a global scale.

EEO STATEMENT: 

NORC is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer that values and actively seeks diversity in the workforce. NORC evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and other legally- protected characteristics.