Research Analyst I - University of Chicago

Research Analyst I

The Consortium on Chicago School Research (CCSR) at the University of Chicago conducts research of high technical quality that can inform and assess policy and practice in the Chicago Public Schools. We seek to expand communication among researchers, policy makers, and practitioners as we support the search for solutions to the problems of school reform. CCSR encourages the use of research in policy action and improvement of practice, but does not argue for particular policies or programs. Rather, we help to build capacity for school reform by identifying what matters for student success and school improvement, creating critical indicators to chart progress, and conducting theory-driven evaluation to identify how programs and policies are working.

We are seeking a Research Analyst I to support the work of other CCSR analysts as they design and implement studies on problems faced by Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and mechanisms for school improvement in Chicago. He or she will conduct reviews of pertinent literature, assist with data collection and analysis, document all procedures and methods, and participate in weekly workshops to review research design, methodological techniques, and findings.

The Research Analyst I will collect, manage, and analyze data for the purposes of quantitative and qualitative research. He or she will assist with the collection and preparation of qualitative and quantitative data; conduct quality control procedures; update and create internal processes and data documentation; follow established protocols to maintain confidentiality of individual-level data; develop systems for managing, coding, analyzing and archiving qualitative data; develop efficient systems for creating, documenting, and sharing large data sets derived from multiple sources; assist in implementing research designs, helping to identify appropriate data and methods; create graphs, charts, and diagrams of analytic results; and participate in weekly workshops to review findings and methodological techniques; contribute to CCSR reports and presentations geared toward a broad audience (scholars, practitioners, policy makers).

The analyst will manipulate large-scale data bases of quantitative data using SAS in a UNIX environment; create specialized databases by merging multiple, complex data sources, including school-, student-, teacher-, community- and neighborhood-based files; conduct detailed statistical analyses of such data, including both simple descriptive group comparisons and inferential statistics; and help develop survey questions.

The analyst will also conduct qualitative fieldwork including student and teacher interviews, classroom observations, and other data collection activities, following specific study protocols; assist in coding these data; and assist with qualitative analysis on primary fieldwork data.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required; degree or significant coursework in education research, social science research, computer science, applied math, or economics required; interest in education, policy studies, or education research;

Master’s degree or experience in urban education, education research, policy and practice preferred.

Knowledge and demonstrated use of multivariate statistics required.


Knowledge and demonstrated use of qualitative analysis techniques preferred.

Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel required.

Proficiency with Microsoft Access and PowerPoint preferred.

Familiarity with statistical software (SAS, SPSS, Stata, R) preferred.

Ability to use SAS in a UNIX environment preferred.

Familiarity with qualitative analysis software (Atlas/ti, Nud*ist, NVivo) preferred.

Proficiency in creating graphs/charts preferred.

Ability to take initiative and a proactive approach to tasks and projects.

Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality.

Ability to work independently, with supervision, or in collaboration as a team member.

Ability to take responsibility for decisions, actions and results.

Ability to prioritize multiple tasks, projects, or goals in order to maximize productivity and effectiveness.

Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.

Willingness to learn, ask questions and accept critique.

Excellent interpersonal skills.

Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).

Ability to work effectively with individuals of varied backgrounds, races, genders, sexual orientation, ethnicities, physical capabilities, and linguistic backgrounds.


The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities associated with it.

To apply for this position, please go to https://jobopportunities.uchicago.edu , create a profile, and apply for requisition #084063. The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.