Research Scientist - Academic Research Centers - Hybrid

Company: NORC at the University of Chicago
Location: Chicago
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

JOB DESCRIPTION: NORC at the University of Chicago is seeking a dynamic Research Scientist to join the Academic Research Centers. The ideal candidate would have expertise in education research, including content expertise in such areas as early childhood education research, K-12 research, education policy, education evaluation, and/or STEM. This person would have diverse methodological approaches, including strong quantitative or mixed-methods design and analysis; considerable experience working directly with practitioners and policymakers; and an interest in contributing to the development of the department’s expanding research portfolio. The Research Scientist’s primary responsibilities include working closely with the Center’s senior research team to develop new research specializations and projects, design and implement research studies, develop and maintain funder and client relationships, and help secure contracts and grants for research initiatives. As a condition of employment, all NORC employees and contractors – including those working remotely – must be fully vaccinated (as defined by current CDC guidance) against COVID-19. DEPARTMENT: ACADEMIC RESEARCH CENTERS The Academic Research Centers exemplify NORC’s commitment to the highest standards of academic excellence and research innovation, and to applying renowned scholarship to practical social science problems. The Academic Research Centers and its wider relationship with the University of Chicago are mutually beneficial in many ways. As part of a campus learning culture, intergenerational project teams enrich learning, scholarship, and discovery. As the next generation of social scientists, they work with experts in various fields and disciplines to conduct world-class empirical research. Researchers at NORC also have the tremendous opportunity to apply what they have learned in practical settings. RESPONSIBILITIES: Providing input to project directors and task leaders, particularly around early childhood care and education (ECE) and/or K-12 research, policy and program implementation and evaluation Developing portions of larger grant or contract proposal efforts and eventually leading smaller proposal efforts to secure new research funding Supporting projects and/or leading tasks by providing technical input and direction to staff regarding research design, questionnaire content, data analysis, and study conclusions Assisting with the design of experiments and other methodological research for data collection efforts Collecting quantitative and/or qualitative data in education settings, with families, or in community-based settings Conducting rigorous analyses on quantitative and/or mixed-methods data Communicating with clients, consultants, and members of the research community, and obtaining information about and interpreting upcoming and issued Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Applications, Program Announcements, and other solicitation information Communicating effectively with key strategic partners inside and outside of NORC, as well as current and prospective funders and clients to advance the Center’s strategic initiatives Collaborating to support professional writing for education practitioner/policy maker and research audiences REQUIRED SKILLS: Bachelors' degree required; Masters' or Doctoral degree in education or a related social science field with demonstrated expertise in education, ECE, psychology, sociology, education policy, STEM, or family engagement strongly preferred At least 7 years of experience in education research and/or evaluation in ECE and/or K-12 settings Experience with estimating project and proposal costs is a plus Very good oral and written communication skills with experience disseminating research findings across a variety of research, practice, and policy audiences A strong orientation toward working in teams and coordinating work with other teams Strong data analysis skills, such as regression, hierarchical linear modeling, structural equation modeling, and power analysis LI-KB1 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.

Keywords: NORC at the University of Chicago, Waukegan , Research Scientist - Academic Research Centers - Hybrid, Science, Research & Development , Chicago, Illinois