Graduate Research Assistant I - Methodology and Quantitative Social Sciences

　　Job no: 501855 Work type: Intermittent Location: Chicago – 55 East Monroe Street, IL Capability Area: Methodology and Quantitative Social Sciences

　　JOB DESCRIPTION:

　　NORC at the University of Chicago is seeking a qualified Graduate Research Assistant to join the Methodology and Quantitative Social Sciences department for the summer 2024. The Graduate Research Assistant will support quantitative analyses for assigned projects including writing and implementing programs to manipulate data and conduct analyses. They will assist in methodological efforts relevant to assigned projects including recruitment, data collection, quality assurance, and data dissemination. They will contribute to methodological and analytic sections of reports and presentations. They may participate in qualitative work including cognitive interviews or usability tests.

　　DEPARTMENT:

　　Methodology and Quantitative Social Sciences

　　NORC at the University of Chicago is seeking a qualified Graduate Research Assistant to join the Methodology and Quantitative Social Sciences department for the summer 2024. The Graduate Research Assistant will support quantitative analyses for assigned projects including writing and implementing programs to manipulate data and conduct analyses. They will assist in methodological efforts relevant to assigned projects including recruitment, data collection, quality assurance, and data dissemination. They will contribute to methodological and analytic sections of reports and presentations. They may participate in qualitative work including cognitive interviews or usability tests.

　　RESPONSIBILITIES:

　　Gain exposure to all facets of the research process—from designing research questions to developing appropriate modes for data collection to formulating new analyses of results and creative ways of presenting results.

　　Apply and develop your technical skills, while honing collaboration and project management skills.

　　Combine social science and statistical methods with the practical challenges of day-to-day project implementation.

　　Learn the principles of research from leading practitioners.

　　Take advantage of NORC’s seminar series on emerging topics in survey research and industry best practices.

　　REQUIRED SKILLS:

　　Enrolled in an accredited Social Science graduate program (e.g., sociology, political science, public policy, psychology, economics, etc.).

　　Able to work 40 hours per week during the summer period.

　　Experience with quantitative methods and data analysis.

　　Skills in statistical programming (e.g., R, Python, SAS) recommended.

　　Strong written and verbal communication skills.

　　Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.

　　Able to work independently and in project teams.

　　Demonstrate creativity, flexibility, and problem-solving abilities.

　　Outstanding interpersonal, critical reasoning, analytic, and writing skills.

　　Curiosity about how to build a study design from fundamental data collection procedures.

　　Strong proficiency with MS Office software is expected.

　　POSITION SPECFICS

　　This position is classified as intermittent . Intermittent staff are eligible to participate in NORC’s retirement program. NORC contributes directly to this account without any required employee contributions.  In addition, intermittent staff are eligible to make pre-tax or post-tax contributions as part of NORC’s Supplemental Retirement Plan. Intermittent staff who meet tenure requirements are eligible for three days of holiday pay. All staff at NORC, along with their significant others and dependent children who live at home, can receive free counseling and referrals through NORC’s 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.

　　Advertised: January 19, 2024 Central Standard TimeApplications close: