Statistician I - survey research and analytic projects - Washington DC Office

NORC at the University of Chicago • Washington DC, WA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

NORC at the University of Chicago is seeking a qualified Statistician I to join the Statistics and Data Science department. This position will primarily support AmeriSpeak®, NORC’s probability-based research panel, while also contributing to survey research and analytic projects across NORC’s health, society, economics, and education research portfolios. The Statistician I applies statistical methods and operational processes with supervision, with a primary focus on supporting AmeriSpeak survey operations and methodology, including sample selection, weighting, nonresponse analysis, variance estimation, survey data processing, quality control, and statistical analysis. The role also supports data preparation, documentation, statistical programming, quality checks, and clear communication of methods and results. Candidates should be proficient in R. SAS and Python experience are pluses. Experience or interest in machine learning, AI-assisted analytic workflows, data visualization, and/or reproducible computing practices is also valued. Additional responsibilities include assisting with proposal activities related to sampling, weighting, variance estimation, analysis, or study design, and working effectively in a team-oriented environment. Qualified applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S. We regret that we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position. This is a hybrid role based in either our Chicago Loop or downtown Washington, DC office, with a minimum of six days per month in the office.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in statistics, biostatistics, survey methodology, mathematics, data science, computational social science, or a related field required.
• Coursework or applied experience in survey statistics, including sampling, weighting, variance estimation, statistical inference, or survey data analysis.
• Strong foundation in mathematical statistics, including probability theory, statistical estimation, inference, modeling, and study design.
• Proficiency in R required.
• Ability to write clear, well-documented statistical code and perform data cleaning, transformation, validation, and quality checks.
• Familiarity with reproducible research and statistical programming practices, such as version control, code review, documentation, testing, and quality assurance.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work to meet project needs.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, problem-solving, and critical reasoning skills.
• Proficiency with MS Office.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with complex survey data is preferred.
• No prior full-time professional experience required, although relevant graduate coursework, internships, assistantships, or applied project experience in survey statistics are valued.
• SAS and/or Python proficiency is a plus.
• Experience or interest in data visualization, machine learning, AI-assisted analytic workflows, or scalable computing practices is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support AmeriSpeak survey operations and methodology, including sample selection, weighting, variance estimation, nonresponse analysis, survey data processing, quality control, and statistical analysis.
• Write and implement programs to extract and manipulate data, make statistical calculations necessary for selecting samples and implementing weighting, and perform statistical analyses.
• Assist with survey statistics tasks, including sample frame preparation, survey panel process improvements and enhancements, and survey data analysis.
• Contribute to statistical sections of reports and other deliverables for technical clarity and effectiveness in addressing project research questions.
• Support development of sample design, weighting, variance estimation, analysis, and study design materials for reports, proposals, and technical documentation.
• Design and implement programs or scripts for data cleaning, transformation, validation, quality checks, and documentation.
• Apply reproducible research and statistical programming practices, including clear documentation, version control, peer review, and validation checks.
• Contribute to dashboards, data visualizations, and other products that communicate findings clearly to technical and nontechnical audiences.
• Apply or learn machine learning, AI-assisted analytic workflows, and modern computing practices where appropriate to improve analytic efficiency and quality.
• Interact with clients on a limited basis to clarify needs, report progress, resolve problems, and provide information and recommendations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

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
• Generous paid time off, holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Bereavement leave
• Tuition assistance
• An Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

What This Job Offers

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