Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTION:

NORC at the University of Chicago is currently seeking a part-time (approx. 10-24 hours/week) Research Associate I to join our Advanced Data Solutions Center supporting our business development activities and special projects in the Advanced Data Solutions Center.

Launched in 2006, the NORC Data Enclave® is the preferred solution for clients, analysts, and researchers to securely store, access, and analyze sensitive data. Enclave-based research informs a wide spectrum of public and private sector evidence-based decision-making, policies, publications, patents, and impactful outcomes that shape our world. 

The Research Associate I will work closely with the Senior Director of Advanced Data Solutions to support business development and quantitative analyses for assigned projects including writing and implementing programs to manipulate data and conduct analyses. They will assist in efforts relevant to assigned projects including data analysis and processing. They will contribute to methodological and analytic sections of proposals. They will work to improve program operations, support client engagement and contribute to management activities across a diverse portfolio of projects.

Location We’d like to find someone who can come to our Chicago Loop office for occasional meetings. Exceptional remote candidates may also be considered.

Qualified applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S. We regret that we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position.

DEPARTMENT: Advanced Data Solutions Center

Advanced Data Solutions (ADS) comprises NORC’s growing array of data management, computational science, and informatics solutions. From short-term consulting projects to large-scale, enterprise-wide, big data initiatives, the ADS Center has the tools and expertise to meet the needs of researchers and decision-makers in a wide variety of sectors and industries. The NORC Data Enclave® is an integral part of the Advanced Data Solutions Center. The Enclave’s high-performance computational environment and virtual desktop infrastructure provide users with convenient access to database, statistical, analytical, visualization, and reporting tools that enable evidence-based discovery. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist with conducting cost modeling, scenario analysis, and data-driven evaluations to support decision-making and product migration strategies.
• Coordinate efforts to automate user support tasks by partnering with technical teams; define requirements, track progress, and ensure successful implementation.
• Create and maintain a visual dashboard for key performance metrics.
• Assist with cross-functional projects, including setting up meetings, identifying stakeholders, managing timelines, and contributing to deliverables.
• Coordinate across business and technical teams to ensure alignment and execution of key initiatives.
• Perform quantitative and qualitative analyses to support business needs, translating complex findings into clear, actionable insights.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels, including presenting analysis, progress updates, and recommendations.
• Support the development of proposals, business cases, and strategic materials as needed.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to manage dependencies, contracts, and project-related requirements.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, Data Science, Statistics, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• Be able to work 10-24 hours per week (hours can vary week to week)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data and make recommendations.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and drive workstreams independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to clearly present insights both verbally and in writing.
• Experience working with data analysis tools (e.g., Excel required; familiarity with R, SQL, Python, or similar tools is a plus but not required).
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders, including both technical and non-technical teams.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with attention to detail and follow-through.
• Comfort working in ambiguous or evolving environments, with the flexibility to adapt to changing priorities.
• Prior experience in business analysis, consulting, strategy, or special projects roles is preferred.
• Candidate will have experience with MS Windows, MS Office, and analytical tools. Experience with Active Directory, SAS/Stata/SPSS/R, SQL and/or other statistical applications is a plus but not required.
• Able to come to our Chicago Loop office for occasional meetings.
• Qualified applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S. We regret that we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

The pay range for this position is $26.77-$28.00/hour.

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 is committed to equity and transparency in its pay practices. We publish salary ranges and benefit information for every job. The listed hiring range reflects what we, in good faith, expect to pay at the time of posting, though actual compensation may vary and may be adjusted over time. A candidate’s placement within the range depends on factors such as competencies, education, qualifications, experience, skills, performance, and organizational needs.

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 85 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 equal opportunity employer. NORC evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, sexual orientation, and other legally protected characteristics.