Department

PSD Data Science Staff: Outlier Group

About the Department

The Data Science Education Research Team (Outlier Research & Evaluation) at the Data Science Institute is committed to improving educational opportunities and outcomes for learners of all backgrounds, with particular attention to those who have been less frequently represented in STEM fields. Outlier works across a range of settings—including public schools, universities, industry, and community organizations—to examine a variety of STEM education topics. These range from elementary afterschool programs to state-level high school data science course policies and community college certificate program development. Grounded in the study of implementation, scale, and sustainability, Outlier conducts applied research and evaluation in close collaboration with practitioners and subject-matter experts. Currently, the team’s research emphasizes data science and AI education.

The University of Chicago Data Science Institute (DSI) is a collaboration of scholars, researchers, educators, and practitioners pursuing the methodological, societal, and domain-oriented challenges of our increasingly data-centric world. The DSI is a research center that sets the intellectual agenda for the field and is an innovator and provider of data education at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. Integral to DSI’s success is the rewarding engagement outside the walls of the university through meaningful partnerships with industry, government, and the community.

Job Summary

The Research Associate will support research and evaluation on kindergarten-adult STEM education, with a focus on high school and postsecondary data science education. The ideal candidate is an organized, self-motivated individual who thrives in both independent and collaborative environments, managing multiple projects simultaneously with supervision. This role involves all stages of the research process, including instrument development, data management, statistical and qualitative analysis, and the preparation of reports and presentations.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with senior researchers, as well as colleagues at DSI and partner organizations, to support the team’s research and evaluation agenda.

Conduct literature reviews to inform current and future research.

Collect, clean, and manage data from various sources.

Perform basic quantitative and qualitative data analysis and contribute to insightful reports summarizing findings.

Lead Institutional Review Board (IRB) submissions and modifications, ensuring compliance with ethical and regulatory standards.

Assist in developing and distributing survey instruments.

Provide technical and administrative support for research projects.

Contribute to the preparation of reports, manuscripts, and other written deliverables.

Support senior researchers in developing and preparing funding proposals.

Maintains recruiting and scheduling research subjects; assisting with developing or amending study protocols; assisting with developing data collection tools; assisting with building databases; and providing general administrative support. Has general awareness in research techniques or methods, regulatory policies and procedures, and relevant scientific field.

Analyzes and maintains data and/or specimens. Conducts literature reviews. Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.

Perform other related tasks as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

---

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline (e.g., Education, Psychology, Data Science).

Experience:

2-3+ years of progressively responsible research, program evaluation, and/or STEM education work experience.

Preferred Competencies

Strong organizational skills with the ability to work independently in a complex environment.

Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines.

Proficiency with spreadsheet software (Google Sheets, Microsoft Excel).

Experience with statistical and/or qualitative analysis methods.

Experience with at least one of the following: SPSS, MAXQDA.

Basic familiarity with data science concepts and/or data science education.

Knowledge of school and school district, state and federal system operations.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

Professionalism, adaptability, and emotional intelligence in collaborative settings.

Working Conditions

This position is eligible for a partial remote work arrangement. Full remote work arrangement may be considered. 

Application Documents

Resume (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Research

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

​
FLSA Status

Exempt

​
Pay Range

$51,000.00 - $69,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.