Research Associate — Chicago, IL at NORC at the

About the Team

NORC at the University of Chicago is an objective, non-partisan research institution that has delivered reliable data and rigorous analysis to guide critical programmatic, business, and policy decisions since 1941. Our Public Affairs and Media Research Department provides data-driven insights for top media, policymaking, and philanthropic organizations. We conduct high-quality research to deliver reliable insights that fuel effective business and communication strategies for clients in the U.S. and around the world.

The department is home to The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, a unique partnership joining NORC's expertise as one of the world's premier independent research organizations with The AP's reach to more than half the world's population. This combination of rigorous, objective research and reliable, unbiased journalism creates a seamless transition from gathering survey-based information to a more fully-informed society, positioning findings for journalists, policymakers, and thought leaders.

About the Role

The Research Associate I serves as a vital support pillar within our Public Affairs and Media Research Department, contributing to every facet of the research process. This role exists to ensure the accuracy and efficiency of our quantitative and qualitative projects, which address complex societal issues ranging from news consumption and elections to food insecurity and outdoor recreation.

In this hybrid role based in our Chicago Loop office, you will partner with senior researchers to transform complex information into useful knowledge. Your day-to-day involves conducting background research, testing survey instruments, cleaning data, performing statistical analyses, and fact-checking findings. You will also assist in preparing reports, tables, and graphs, while supporting business development efforts through proposal preparation. The ideal candidate possesses a strong interest in public opinion research and the ability to communicate key findings to diverse audiences.

Hiring Process

Qualified applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S. We regret that we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position. Please note that this is a hybrid role requiring a minimum of six days per month in the Chicago Loop office.

Equal Opportunity

NORC is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, sexual orientation, and other legally protected characteristics. We are committed to equity and transparency in our pay practices and foster a collegial environment where team members take pride in the global impact of their work.

Work location

Work model: Hybrid

Monroe Harbor, 400, East Monroe Street, Jewelers Row, Loop, Chicago, South Chicago Township, Cook County, Illinois, 60603, United States

Chicago, Illinois

Key Responsibilities

check_circleProvide general research support on quantitative and qualitative projects
check_circlePrepare background research including literature reviews and environmental scans
check_circleTest data collection instruments and systems
check_circleAssist with data preparation, cleaning, and coding
check_circleConduct statistical analyses of survey data for research reports
check_circleContribute to the preparation of reports, tables, and graphs based on survey findings
check_circleConduct quality control tasks including fact checking
check_circleAssist with business development tasks such as providing proposal support

Requirements

verifiedBachelor's degree in political science, psychology, communications, survey methodology, or other social science discipline
verifiedEligible to work in the U.S.
verifiedProficiency with Microsoft 365 applications
verifiedExperience with statistical software (Stata, SAS, and/or R) preferred

Nice to Have

Experience with conducting data analysis using standard statistical software packages (e.g. Stata, SAS, and/or R).

Benefits & Perks

check_circleGenerously subsidized health insurance, effective on the first day of employmentcheck_circleDental and vision insurancecheck_circleDefined contribution retirement program and separate voluntary 403(b) retirement programcheck_circleGroup life insurance, long-term and short-term disability insuranceGenerous paid time off, holidays, paid parental leave, and bereavement leave

Skills, education and keywords

Skills: Stata, Sas, R, Microsoft 365, MS Teams, Data Analysis, Survey Methodology, Political Science, Psychology, Communications.

Education: Bachelor's degree in political science, psychology, communications, survey methodology, or other social science discipline required..

Frequently asked questions about Research Associate I – Public Affairs and Media Research Department - Hybrid at NORC at the University of Chicago

What does a Research Associate I – Public Affairs and Media Research Department - Hybrid at NORC at the University of Chicago do?expand_more

A Research Associate I – Public Affairs and Media Research Department - Hybrid at NORC at the University of Chicago is responsible for the following: Provide general research support on quantitative and qualitative projects; Prepare background research including literature reviews and environmental scans; Test data collection instruments and systems; and Assist with data preparation, cleaning, and coding.

What are the requirements for this Research Associate I – Public Affairs and Media Research Department - Hybrid role?expand_more

To qualify for the Research Associate I – Public Affairs and Media Research Department - Hybrid at NORC at the University of Chicago position, applicants should have: Bachelor's degree in political science, psychology, communications, survey methodology, or other social science discipline; Eligible to work in the U.S.; Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications; and Experience with statistical software (Stata, SAS, and/or R) preferred.

Where is the Research Associate I – Public Affairs and Media Research Department - Hybrid role at NORC at the University of Chicago located?expand_more

Research Associate I – Public Affairs and Media Research Department - Hybrid at NORC at the University of Chicago is based in Monroe Harbor, 400, East Monroe Street, Jewelers Row, Loop, Chicago, South Chicago Township, Cook County, Illinois, 60603, United States. This is a hybrid role.

Is this Research Associate I – Public Affairs and Media Research Department - Hybrid job remote, hybrid, or on-site?expand_more

NORC at the University of Chicago has listed this Research Associate I – Public Affairs and Media Research Department - Hybrid role as hybrid.

How much experience is required for this Research Associate I – Public Affairs and Media Research Department - Hybrid role?expand_more

Candidates for Research Associate I – Public Affairs and Media Research Department - Hybrid at NORC at the University of Chicago should have entry level.

What skills do you need for the Research Associate I – Public Affairs and Media Research Department - Hybrid role at NORC at the University of Chicago?expand_more

Key skills for Research Associate I – Public Affairs and Media Research Department - Hybrid at NORC at the University of Chicago include Stata; Sas; R; Microsoft 365; MS Teams; Data Analysis; Survey Methodology; and Political Science.

What education is required for Research Associate I – Public Affairs and Media Research Department - Hybrid at NORC at the University of Chicago?expand_more

Educational requirements for this role: Bachelor's degree in political science, psychology, communications, survey methodology, or other social science discipline required..

What category does the Research Associate I – Public Affairs and Media Research Department - Hybrid role belong to?expand_more

Research Associate I – Public Affairs and Media Research Department - Hybrid at NORC at the University of Chicago is part of the scientific & qa job category on Recrutus.

Research Associate I – Public Affairs and Media Research Department - Hybrid