Data Scientist
Company: NORC at the University of Chicago
Location: Chicago
Posted on: April 1, 2026
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Job Description:
JOB DESCRIPTION: At NORC, Data Scientists play a key role in
working with our research teams to produce valuable insights for
our clients. This position supports the development of the strategy
and vision for data analysis projects and performs tasks such as
importing, cleaning, transforming, validating, or modeling data.
Data Scientists may also support the presentation of data by
developing charts, graphs, and tables. In addition, the Data
Scientist may assist in data collection from primary or secondary
data sources (e.g., administrative records, commercial data, social
media data), identify, analyze, and interpret trends or patterns in
data sets and maintain databases/data systems, dictionaries, etc.
The Data Scientist is expected to work collaboratively in a team
environment. DEPARTMENT: Statistics and Data Science The Statistics
and Data Science department conducts a wide range of statistical
and data science projects, engaging in statistical analysis,
modeling, data linkage, statistical matching, disclosure control,
small area estimation, and Bayesian analysis, to support all
aspects of social science research. NORC statisticians and data
scientists design and implement rigorous, efficient methods for
sampling, weighting, and imputation for sample surveys and
evaluation research. They also employ statistical modelling,
machine learning methods, and data visualization for analyzing and
interpreting data. The department collaborates with the Methodology
and Quantitative Social Sciences department, all NORC research
departments, and the Academic Research Centers in addition to
conducting research in its own field. RESPONSIBILITIES: Gather and
interpret results using a variety of techniques, ranging from
simple data aggregation via statistical analysis to moderate to
complex analytical/predictive modeling and/or intermediate machine
learning. Prepares reports, develops charts, graphs, tables and
interactive data tools, primarily in R. Create, manage, and
maintain databases/data systems, data dictionaries, etc. Conduct
data management, including merging, cleaning, transforming and
harmonizing data. Work directly with clients and/or project and
business leaders to assist in identifying analytical requirements.
May assist in proposal development by drafting subsections.
REQUIRED SKILLS: Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Math, Statistics,
Computer Science, Data Science, or related field Strong foundation
in areas of statistics, mathematics, machine learning, scientific
methods of inquiry. Working knowledge of different types of data
that can be sourced whether from social media, administrative or
sensor data. Strong problem-solving skills. Ability to organize and
prioritize work assignments to meet project needs. At least 2
years’ experience (at least 4 years’ experience if Bachelor's
degree) in positions of increasing responsibility, conducting
statistical and quantitative modeling, melding analytics with
strong R programming. Strong written and verbal communication
including strong technical writing skills. Strong data
visualization/presentation skills, especially interactive data
visualization. Able to explain technology, techniques, and
approaches to others. Experience with interactive data
visualization tools in R, including (but not limited to) Shiny,
ggiraph, r2d3, and plotly. Experience with literate programming
tools in R, such as R Markdown or Quarto. 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, Oak Park , Data Scientist, IT / Software / Systems , Chicago, Illinois
