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Researcher (Data Science/Engineer)
Chicago, IL
Job Description
Researcher (Data Science/Engineer)
Full Time
A cover letter, resume, writing sample, and reference contact information are required to be considered for this position.
Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago is seeking an experienced Researcher who will work collaboratively with Chapin Hall staff. This position will report directly to a Senior Researcher. This position allows for remote work and periodic in-person attendance at Chicago, IL meetings. The successful applicant is expected to work normal business hours and must have flexibility in their work schedule to accommodate business demands.
Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago is seeking an individual to work on a team engaged in empirical, analytical, and conceptual child and family welfare research in Illinois. The Researcher's main contribution to research projects is to manage, maintain, and upkeep Chapin Hall's existing ETL (extract, transform, load) data processes to support Chapin Hall's stewardship of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) administrative data hosted at Chapin Hall. In this capacity, the individual will oversee data management, linkage, documentation, sharing of DCFS administrative data with researchers and policy staff, and conduct statistical analysis, and presentation of data analysis when appropriate.
Substantively, the individual will develop and maintain programs that transform data into analyzable formats and/or that can be utilized for data analysis; perform analysis of DCFS administrative data using R, Python, VBA, SQL/PostgreSQL, STATA, SAS and/or other appropriate analytic software programs; and when appropriate, serve as data expert to provide consultation for and participate in discussions regarding study design and methodology for specific research projects. During DCFS' multi-year transition from the Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System (SACWIS) to the new IllinoisConnect system, the Researcher will serve as the key point-of-contact for Chapin Hall to keep abreast with the latest developments and implications of the transition. The Researcher will also participate in meetings with external stakeholders and write sections of methods and data sources for funders and publications.
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and strongly encourage individuals of all backgrounds and experiences to apply.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Uses R, Python, VBA, SQL/PostgreSQL, STATA, SAS, and/or other appropriate analytic software programs to independently convert, merge, and assemble large-scale administrative data that often need to be cleaned for analysis for multiple projects.
- Develops and maintains programming codes that transform administrative data into analyzable formats and/or that can be utilized for data analysis, with a strong emphasis on generalizability and transparency.
- Automates existing and emerging processes for importing, documenting, integrating, and updating data as well as to coding best practices such as code review and version control, using GitHub and updating existing data dictionaries Chapin Hall maintains.
- Provides details regarding data usage to researchers and other DCFS university partners.
- Performs modeling and complex statistical analyses under supervision.
- Participates in discussions regarding study design and methods. Assists in developing study objectives, and designing sampling, randomization, and data collection procedures to achieve study objectives.
- Writes sections of research results for funders and/or publications, and assists with report production activities, including proofing, formatting and creating tables and graphs.
- Participates in meetings with external stakeholders and may present findings at meetings and/or conferences.
- Performs additional duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- A master's degree in data science, biostatistics, computer science, econometrics, statistics, or social science/policy with significant advanced coursework in statistics and programming plus a minimum of three years of relevant experience in applied research using administrative data.
- Minimum of three years' experience working with large-scale administrative datasets and data systems in public sector, and/or related work.
- Professional experience with R, Python, VBA, SQL/PostgreSQL, STATA, SAS and/or other appropriate program languages, preferably experience working in a Unix/Linux environment.
- Strong interest in and aptitude for data cleaning, quality check, diagnosis of inconsistencies/accuracy of large-scale administrative data, and further development of analytic skills.
- Strong background in statistical methodology.
- Demonstrated capacity for taking initiative, problem-solving, and working in a collaborative research environment.
- Ability to manage multiple, concurrent tasks.
- Strong attention to detail with good organization and communication skills.
- Ability to translate and convey complex concepts and study findings in oral and written communications.
- Ability to work independently with a high degree of initiative.
- Demonstrated judgment and discretion in the handling of sensitive information.
MINIMUM PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
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.
- Must be able to travel locally and out of state occasionally.
Pre-employment background checks are required for all Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago positions.
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 recruiting@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, creed, religion, age, sex, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship, citizenship status, pregnancy or maternity, national origin, status as an individual with disability, ancestry, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by protected by law.
Regarding the salary range:
Chapin Hall adheres to a competitive market-aligned salary structure for all its administrative, policy, and research roles. Starting salaries within posted ranges are determined by the Chapin Hall Human Resources Department using a consistent, rigorous, and equitable review process.
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, age, sex, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship, pregnancy or maternity, national origin, status as an individual with disability, age, ancestry, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law.
Job Summary
Start Date
As soon as possible
Employment Term and Type
Regular, Full Time
Required Education
Master's Degree
Required Experience
3+ years
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