Research Methodologist III

JOB DESCRIPTION:

NORC at the University of Chicago is seeking Research Methodologist to join the Methodology and Quantitative Social Sciences department. We are looking for applied economists or quantitative social scientists with strong analytic and quantitative skills, a passion for cross-disciplinary collaboration, and subject matter knowledge in one of NORC's substantive focus areas. The Research Methodologist will support the design of rigorous methods for evaluating programs and policies; conduct econometric, cost-benefit, and other economic analyses; draft reports and present findings to policy and professional audiences. The successful candidate will have good analytic, communication, and management skills and contribute effectively across a variety of projects.

As a condition of employment, all NORC employees and contractors - including those working remotely - must be fully vaccinated (as defined by current CDC guidance) against COVID-19

While our main office locations are in Chicago, IL and Bethesda, MD we will consider fully remote for qualified candidates who are not in the Chicago or Bethesda market.

DEPARTMENT:

The Methodology and Quantitative Social Sciences (MQSS) is one of NORC's core methodology departments that brings innovative and rigorous quantitative methods that advance NORC's evaluations of programs, policies, and initiatives, and advances the creation of data sources trusted by decisionmakers, researchers, and the public. 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 and use of novel data sources and technologies to improve data gathering. The department collaborates with the Statistics and Data Science Department on areas of synergy and intersection and with all NORC subject matter areas (economics, markets and the workforce; education training and learning; global development; health and well-being; society, media, and public affairs), in addition to leading its own projects.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Providing technical advice and serving as an internal consultant on social science methodological and analytic issues to Project Directors and Task Leaders
Conduct quantitative analyses for projects, including writing and/or implementing programs to extract and manipulate data, conducting analysis and/or developing and testing analytic models
Assist or lead methodological and analytic tasks relevant to the project, including economic evaluations and policy/program analysis.
Contributing to and reviewing the methodological/analytical sections of reports, presentations and other deliverables.
Assisting with proposal and business development activities related to methodological, analytic, and/or study design tasks.
Designing, conducting, analyzing and preparing reports on experimental/methodological studies
Presenting research papers at professional conferences, and submitting articles for publication in journals.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

Master's degree in economics preferred. Master's degree in economics, biostatistics, sociology, psychology, political science or other social science, survey methodology, data science, or related field is required.
At least 5 years of relevant experience, including applied economics, social science research and policy issues.
Knowledge of the principles, processes, and methods of social science research and application for quantitative analyses, survey research and/or program evaluation
Experience designing studies and conducting research using a variety of econometric methods and techniques to evaluate and identify effects of policies and programs.
Proficient in the use of computer software, especially packages for statistical analysis (SAS, R, or Python) and knowledge of computing platforms and data file construction
Enthusiasm for teamwork and collaboration across disciplinary boundaries
Strong interpersonal communication, analytic capability, technical writing, problem identification and resolution, and task management
Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, effectively organize and manage time, including ability to set priorities to meet all project, proposal, and administrative needs in a timely fashion
Subject matter knowledge in one of NORC's substantive focus areas is a plus.

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.