Research Associate II - Education Research - Hybrid Chicago Loop Office

NORC at the University of Chicago • Chicago, IL

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Join the Education and Child Development Department at NORC at the University of Chicago as a Research Associate II. The ideal candidate will bring experience supporting education research and/or technical assistance contracts or grants. Qualified applicants must be U.S. citizens due to security clearance requirements for projects. This position is based in our Chicago Loop office, with a minimum of six days per month in the office. For more than 40 years, NORC has been committed to conducting high-quality education research and capacity building. Our Education and Child Development department focuses its research and technical assistance across the full array of education-relevant populations, from preschoolers to the post-graduate doctorate holders.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in psychology, education, other social science, public policy, economics, or statistics. Degrees in other subjects may be considered, if other relevant skills apply.
• At least 18 months of relevant social science research experience.
• Experience with or training in the principles, processes, and methods of social science research a plus.
• Strong persuasive writing skills with a focus on Plain Language, including experience with report writing.
• Outstanding interpersonal, time management, and critical reasoning skills.
• Proficiency with MS Office software, including Excel.
• Qualified applicants must be U.S. citizens due to security clearance requirements for projects.
• Please include a Resume and Cover Letter when applying.
• Candidates should be prepared to provide professional references and a writing sample upon request.

Responsibilities

• Support the development and implementation of large technical assistance and research projects, including the Regional Educational Laboratories and the Comprehensive Centers.
• Prepare technical assistance tools and resources, literature reviews, and written descriptions of data collection methodologies and procedures.
• Assist in design of data collection instruments and outreach materials.
• Execute data cleaning, review, and file preparation; analyze primary and secondary data under the general direction of senior staff.
• Conduct ad hoc quantitative data analyses and summarizes information into tables, graphics, and text as appropriate for the intended audience.
• Collect, analyze, and report qualitative data.
• Provide logistical support to project teams in planning and conducting project activities, including meetings.
• Assist in creating presentations for client meetings and conferences.
• Assist in the development of client reporting deliverables, including monthly or annual progress reports, memos, slides, data charts, and tables for presenting study findings.
• Assist with business development activities, supporting all aspects of proposal efforts including drafting subsections of proposals, compiling data, and drafting charts or exhibits.
• Coordinate project activities and events, including setting up meetings and conference calls and liaising with consultants and subcontractors.

Benefits

• 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, bereavement leave, tuition assistance, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level