Senior Research Analyst

Department

UL Inclusive Economy Lab

About the Department

Our Focus Cities like Chicago fuel remarkable opportunity. At the same time, decades of disinvestment and discrimination create real barriers for young people growing up in many of our neighborhoods. Many in government and the nonprofit sector are working to tackle these challenges. We launched the University of Chicago Poverty Lab in 2015 to generate rigorous research that results in expanded economic opportunity for communities harmed by disinvestment and segregation. We bring the best science and big data analysis possible to identify and highlight barriers to social mobility and racial equity, partner with policymakers, community-based organizations and others to generate rigorous evidence about how to remove these barriers, and work closely with policymakers and impacted communities to ensure this research leads to meaningful policy change. Our work cuts across traditional policy domains, including education, workforce development, housing and cash assistance programs. Our Values Conduct science in service of cities: We feel a sense of urgency to do research that improves people’s lives. We select projects that lead to solutions for policy, practice, and increased investments on the ground. Our research is rigorous and informed by the historic and current contexts that shape urban residents’ lives.

Foster lasting relationships: We collaborate with policymakers, practitioners, and people with lived experience to understand multiple perspectives and figure out what works. Elevate equity & inclusion: We aim to hire people with a range of personal and professional backgrounds, skillsets, and identities. We expand access to evaluation for a broad range of organizations and we conduct work that affirms the dignity of all people. Check our privilege: We recognize the power and privilege we have as members of the University of Chicago. We practice humility and recognize that expertise comes in many forms and there are limits to our own. Embrace a growth mindset: We invest in our people and develop our skills and content knowledge together. We work respectfully as a team to achieve our shared goals.

Job Summary

The job independently designs, performs analysis, and publishes results from research projects, applying statistical methods from proposal phase through report phase. Develops objectives, designing sampling, randomization, and data collection procedures. Develops and implements new innovative procedures in the areas of data collection, quality control, statistical analyses, and presentation of results.

Responsibilities

• Cleans and analyzes large administrative data sets.

• Conducts descriptive, quasi-experimental, and experimental analyses.

• Contributes to study design, including conducting power analyses.

• Creates data visualizations that are accurate and accessible.

• Ensures the security of sensitive data.

• Supervises junior analysts, helping them manage time across projects, as well as supporting their professional development.

• Contributes the developing and supporting organizational best practices around data cleaning, security, and analysis.

• Supports the general management of the analyst team, including supporting hiring and workload allocation.

• Supports translation of technical analyses to non-technical audiences.

• Designs tables and statistical procedures for specific research studies. Takes primary responsibility for writing the statistical design and documenting statistical considerations in grant proposals for faculty throughout the unit.

• Develops and new innovative procedures in the areas of data collection, quality control, statistical analyses, and presentation of results. Reviews and improves statistical computer programs.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications
 

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in economics, sociology, public policy or other relevant quantitative field.
• Coursework in econometrics and/or mathematical statistics.
• Master's degree.

Experience:

• 2-3 years of applied quantitative research experience.
• Experience working with large and complex datasets.
• Proficiency with one or more languages such as R, Stata, Python, or SAS.
• Experience with relational databases a plus.
• Familiarity with randomized controlled trials and other approaches to estimating causal effects.
• Content expertise in college and career success, quality jobs, financial security, or housing stability.

Preferred Competencies

• Knowledge of workforce development institutions and policy.
• Background working with local organizations in workforce development.
• Strong project management skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and ability to maintain positive relationships with various stakeholders.
• Strong time management skills with a proven ability to multitask and to prioritize activities to successfully complete projects on tight deadlines with little supervision.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present data in a simple and straightforward way for non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Research

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$85,000.00 - $110,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

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