Senior Researcher (Economist / Data Scientist)
Advertiser: Chapin Hall
Field(s) of specialization: Microeconomics
Position type(s): Other nonacademic
Location of job: 1313 East 60th Street, Chicago, IL, 60637, United States
Degree required: Doctorate
Job start date: Flexible
Job duration: Continuing/permanent
Letters of reference required: 3
Application deadline: 28 Feb 2021 midnight UTC (no longer accepting applications)
Current search status: Reviewing applications
Posting end date: 30 Jun 2021
Interviews: Interviews will be conducted remotely by video
Ad text:

GENERAL SUMMARY

Chapin Hall is an independent policy research center at the University of Chicago that provides public and private decision-makers with rigorous research and achievable solutions to support them in improving the lives of children, families, and communities. Chapin Hall partners with policymakers, practitioners, and philanthropists at the forefront of research and policy development by applying a unique blend of scientific research, real-world experience, and policy expertise to construct actionable information, practical tools, and, ultimately, positive change for children, youth, and families. Chapin Hall’s unwavering partnership mindset is also demonstrated in its commitment to employees by fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment, at all times, that is committed to reflecting diversity and inclusion in its culture, projects, and workforce. Established in 1985, Chapin Hall's areas of research include child welfare systems, community capacity to support children and families, and youth homelessness. For more information about Chapin Hall, visit www.chapinhall.org or @Chapin_Hall. Also take a moment and view this video clip from various staff regarding why they enjoy working at Chapin Hall.

Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago is seeking a full-time Senior Researcher (applied micro economist) to contribute methodological and strategic guidance to empirical projects related to early childhood, programs for school-aged youth, family self-sufficiency, and related social policy topics which have an emphasis on ensuring wellbeing and opportunity for disadvantaged communities. The Senior Researcher will provide oversight to the design and implementation of the empirical approach, and will execute and review quantitative data preparation and analysis, which includes use of advanced statistical and econometrics techniques using R, Python, and/or other appropriate analytic software programs. The individual will also collaborate in the development of proposals that extend current work, and/or represent projects that leverage team experience and resources towards policy impact for disadvantaged youth populations and communities.

This a full-time position beginning June 2021, however, timing can be sooner or later depending on the selected candidate’s circumstance.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The primary responsibilities of the position are as follows:

General:

  • Takes a leadership role to the intellectual and scientific development of research studies and data analytics including the development of study design and methods
  • Leads—or in cases of advanced methods, conducts-- analyses of quantitative data
  • Takes leadership in drafting sections of research reports
  • Translates research and analytic findings into actionable evidence and implications for policy and program
  • Develops and delivers presentations of findings to diverse audiences
  • Represents Chapin Hall and its research agenda and establishes important stakeholder relationships, especially with partner agencies

Specific:

  • Plays a key role in designing and implementing quantitative program evaluation research using quasi-experimental designs
  • Performs advanced modeling and complex statistical analyses of data using R, Python, and/or other appropriate analytic software programs
  • Leads analytic and econometric decision-making
  • Independently converts, merges, assembles, and prepares large-scale data for analysis.
  • Conduct analytic work following coding best practices including proper documentation, code review, and version control using GitLab
  • Independently prepares sections of research reports and participates in dissemination activities sharing best practices and building capacity to analyze administrative data
  • Assists with and/or leads Institutional Review Board submissions
  • In collaboration with other Chapin Hall senior research staff, takes leadership in developing new, quantitatively rigorous analysis in projects designed to impact youth service systems and/or policy-making
  • Conducts all work duties remotely, along with Chapin Hall employees, until Spring 2021; thereafter, new hire may transition to a building workspace located at 1313 East 60th St., Chicago, IL or, if outside the Chicago, IL area, remain remote.
  • Performs additional duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Ph.D. in economics, public policy, sociology, or other relevant fields; 2-5 years of experience with administrative data

Experience and Other Qualifications

  • Demonstrated knowledge of quantitative research methods and econometric techniques
  • Demonstrated proficiency with statistical software such as R and Python
  • Experience with large databases; particularly large-scale administrative data
  • Demonstrated judgment and discretion in the handling of sensitive information
  • Strong attention to detail with good organization skills required
  • Ability to work independently with a high degree of initiative required
  • Ability to work in a collaborative research environment required
  • Ability to manage multiple, concurrent tasks required
  • Problem-solving skills required
  • Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with team members and work in a collaborative research environment
  • Strong written communication skills required
  • Interest in early childhood policy, youth policy, or family self-sufficiency policy

MINIMUM PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Chapin Hall is committed to ensuring the health and safety of our staff. We continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely and follow U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance. During this time travel is temporarily suspended.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time.
  • Must be able to operate a computer extensively for four (4) or more hours per day.

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Pre-employment background checks are required for all Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago positions.

To express interest in this opening, please visit https://csschcc.sentrichr.com.

Formal expressions of interest are accepted online only. A cover letter, resume, writing sample, and reference contact information are required to be considered for this position.

Individuals in need of reasonable accommodations to complete the application process should contact Human Resources by calling (773) 256-5157, or by sending an email to humanresources@chapinhall.org.

Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer that values and actively seeks diversity in its workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, status as an individual with disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

Submission materials required
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Paper (writing example)
  • Other material (in one file) (optional)
  • Cover letter
  • Letters of reference: 3
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