GENERAL SUMMARY

is an independent policy research center at the University of Chicago that provides public and private decision-makers with rigorous research and achievable solutions to support them in improving the lives of children, families, and communities. Chapin Hall partners with policymakers, practitioners, and philanthropists at the forefront of research and policy development by applying a unique blend of scientific research, real-world experience, and policy expertise to construct actionable information, practical tools, and, ultimately, positive change for children, youth, and families. Chapin Hall's unwavering partnership mindset is also demonstrated in its commitment to employees by fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment, at all times, that is committed to reflecting diversity and inclusion in its culture, projects, and workforce. Established in 1985, Chapin Hall's areas of research include child welfare systems, community capacity to support children and families, and youth homelessness. For more information about Chapin Hall, visit www.chapinhall.org or @Chapin_Hall. Also take a moment and view this from various staff regarding why they enjoy working at Chapin Hall.

Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago seeks an individual with strong quantitative research competencies and interests to work in teams across child welfare and youth homelessness. In child welfare, the Researcher will work with a team engaged in empirical, analytical, and conceptual child and family welfare research using administrative data in Illinois. In youth homelessness, the Researcher will work with a multidisciplinary team to design and carry out evaluation of direct cash transfer interventions for youth and also analyze linked administrative data to understand young people's pathways into and through homelessness from other public systems. [See products posted at our page and at .] Chapin Hall has an ambitious agenda and an exciting portfolio of projects that are equity-centered, youth powered, cross systems, and evidence focused.

The preferred location of this position is at our headquarters in Chicago, IL, but is negotiable. This position will report directly to , Senior Researcher.

In both scopes of work, the Researcher's main contribution to research projects is the management, linking, statistical analysis, and presentation of research data. This includes developing and carrying out power/sample size calculations, sampling and randomization plans, and analysis plans for impact evaluations. They will participate in discussions regarding study design and methodology; develop and maintain programs that transform data into analyzable formats and/or that can be utilized for data analysis; and perform modeling and statistical analyses of data using R, Python, VBA, SQL/PostgreSQL, STATA, SAS and/or other appropriate analytic software programs. The Researcher will also participate in meetings with external stakeholders and write sections of research results for funders and publications.

This is an ideal opportunity for an early career scholar with solid quantitative skills who is interested in theoretically driven translational research. The youth homelessness and child welfare research clusters focus on creating and testing solutions for children, youth, and families who experience adversity and are systems implicated. The position offers opportunity for long term growth including an increasingly autonomous role in the design, conduct, and dissemination of translational research and opportunities for advancement. We seek a driven scholar with expertise in data analytics and applied statistics who will contribute innovative ideas, support and conduct proposal and business development efforts, and co-author and present works to a range of audiences.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The primary responsibilities of the position are as follows:

Data Analytics & Applied Statistics

• Independently converts, merges, and assembles large-scale administrative data that often need to be cleaned for analysis for multiple projects
• Uses R, Python, VBA, SQL/PostgreSQL, STATA, SAS, and/or other appropriate analytic software programs
• 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 coding best practices such as code review and version control.
• Performs modeling and complex statistical analyses under supervision.
• Generates data visualization to accompany, complement, and illuminate study findings

Project Leadership & Management

• Participates in discussions regarding study design and methods, with increasing input and autonomy across time
• Assists in developing study objectives, designing sampling, power/sample size calculations, randomization, analysis plans, and data collection procedures to achieve study objectives

Communications

• Writes sections of research results for funders and/or publications, and assist 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

A doctoral degree in psychology, social work, public policy, education, public health, sociology, or another relevant field plus applied research experience using administrative data; OR

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 five years of relevant experience in applied research using administrative data.

• Minimum of 3 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
• Professional experience designing/analyzing experimental or quasi-experimental studies of social/psychosocial/economic interventions
• A record of contribution to the dissemination of research
• Strong interest in and aptitude for data cleaning, quality check, diagnosis of inconsistencies and accuracy of large-scale administrative data, and further development of analytic skills
• Solid background in research design and methods and statistical analysis
• Demonstrated capacity for taking initiative, problem-solving, and working in a collaborative research environment

Other Qualifications

• Ability to manage multiple, concurrent tasks
• Strong attention to detail with good organization and communication skills
• Ability to translate 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

Chapin Hall is committed to ensuring the health and safety of our staff. We continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely and follow U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance. During this time travel is suspended.

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.

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Pre-employment background checks are required for all Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago positions.

To express interest in this opening, please visit .

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 .

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, sex, national origin, status as an individual with disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law.