Senior Research Scientist - The Bridge/Academic Research Centers - Hybrid

JOB DESCRIPTION:

NORC at the University of Chicago is seeking a dynamic and innovative Senior Research Scientist (SRS) to join The Bridge, previously known as the Academic Research Centers (ARC). The ideal candidate would have significant expertise in K-12 education research, with particular content expertise in STEM education research, policy, and/or evaluation. This person would have expertise in diverse methodological approaches, including qualitative and quantitative study design and data analysis; experience working directly with K-12 practitioners, policymakers, and funders; a proven track record of attracting external funding; and a deep desire to develop ARC's expanding education research portfolio. 

This SRS's primary responsibilities include leadership and close collaboration with education researchers within ARC and across NORC to develop new research projects, design and implement research studies, develop, and maintain funder/client/collaborator relationships, and secure contracts and grants for research initiatives. The SRS will develop and grow their own research and evaluation portfolio focused on K-12 education, preferably with an emphasis on STEM education. They will collaborate with senior staff to develop and lead projects and will manage and mentor junior staff in the execution of these projects. Our goal is to complement the Bridge's current education research and evaluation portfolio by seeking out a proactive K-12 education expert that is eager to develop their own agenda within an established and collaborative team of education professionals. #LI-AG1 #LI-remote#LI-hybrid#LI-onsite

DEPARTMENT:

The Bridge

The Bridge previously known as the Academic Research Centers exemplify NORC's commitment to the highest standards of academic excellence and research innovation, and to applying basic research to practical social science problems. The Bridge and its wider relationship with the University of Chicago are mutually beneficial in many ways. As part of a learning culture, multidisciplinary project teams enrich learning, scholarship, and discovery. In particular, the Senior Research Scientist will have the opportunity to apply their expertise in practical settings through collaborations with University faculty and NORC senior education researchers as well as the department's broader cradle-to-career portfolio of work.   #LI-AG1 #LI-remote#LI-hybrid#LI-onsite

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide substantive leadership and direction to task leaders and colleagues, particularly around K-12 and STEM policy and program implementation and evaluation
• Lead business development efforts, including the writing and coordination of both grant applications and contract proposals, contributing to sections in which understanding of K-12/STEM education is vital, leading communications with clients, consultants, and members of the research community, and obtaining information about and interpreting upcoming and issued solicitations
• Lead and provide expert technical input and direction to staff on all aspects of K-12 research and evaluation projects including study design, stakeholder engagement, measurement, data analysis, data interpretation, reporting and dissemination
• Lead design of quantitative and/or qualitative data collection efforts in K-12 settings
• Lead and collaborate on professional writing and presentations for education and research audiences
• Independently draft and manage contract proposals and grant applications including project budgets
• Conduct business development research and use business intelligence tools to evaluate specific opportunities
• Communicate effectively with key strategic partners inside and outside of NORC, as well as current and prospective funders and clients to advance the ARC's strategic initiatives
• Initiate and maintain relationships with K-12 school systems to conduct research
• Manage teams to carry out projects and business development opportunities, including monitoring and oversight of finances and administration for the projects
• Flexible work location with onsite collaboration (in Chicago) preferred

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Masters' degree required, Doctorate preferred, in education, psychology, sociology, public policy, or a related social science research field with demonstrated expertise in K-12 education, preferably with a concentration in STEM
• Demonstrated record of funding for the applicant's research portfolio, including but not limited to private Foundations and federal agencies (e.g., IES, NSF, NIH)
• Minimum 9 years' relevant work experience designing and implementing mixed-methods research in the K-12 or STEM education domains
• Very strong oral and written communication skills with experience disseminating research findings across a variety of research, practice, and policy audiences
• A strong orientation toward leading teams and coordinating work with other teams
• Experience managing client relationships, complex projects, and budgetary oversight.

#LI-KB1 

SALARY AND BENEFITS 

The pay range for this position is $127,000 - $201,000. The budgeted range for this role is: $127,000-$150,000.

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 75 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.