Research Scientist - Education Research - Hybrid Chicago Loop Office

Job no: 503844 Work type: Regular Full-Time Location: Chicago - 300 E Randolph St Capability Area: Education and Child Development

JOB SUMMARY:

Join the Education and Child Development department of NORC at the University of Chicago as a Research Scientist. The ideal candidate will hold an advanced degree and demonstrated expertise conducting research and delivering technical assistance for large-scale U.S. Department of Education research and technical assistance contracts or grants, specifically those funded by the Institute of Education Science's National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance or the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education. Experience as an education practitioner working in a school, district, or state education agency is strongly preferred. Candidates should also have deep understanding of the Every Student Succeeds Act and bring subject-matter expertise in one or more of the following areas: assessment and accountability, resource allocation and return on investment, or literacy.

Location: This is a hybrid role based in our Chicago Loop office, with a minimum of six days per month in the office.

DEPARTMENT: Education and Child Development Research

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct program evaluations, research, and/or technical assistance in collaboration with a multi-disciplinary team of researchers, capacity builders, practitioners, and program partners.
• Serve as task leader on large projects, overseeing staff responsibilities, monitoring budgets, and coordinating schedules.
• Conduct quantitative and qualitative analysis and/or develop and lead technical assistance activities.
• Review, synthesize, and describe existing evidence.
• Guide programs and policymakers in using evidence to make decisions.
• Contribute to the development of white papers, briefs, reports, and evidence-based tools and resources.
• Engage in business development activities including idea generation, outreach, grant and proposal writing, and related budgeting.
• Potential for travel to client meetings and conferences.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Master's Degree required. Ph.D. preferred.
• Minimum 7 years' experience in positions of increasing responsibility in research/technical assistance for education projects.
• Experience working on a Regional Educational Laboratory (RELs) or Comprehensive Center (RCCs).
• Experience working as an education practitioner in a school, district, or state education agency.
• Deep understanding of the Every Student Succeeds Act.
• Advanced understanding and application of implementation science or improvement science.
• Strong quantitative or qualitative skills required. Advanced quantitative or qualitative skills preferred.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including an ability to translate complex research methods and findings for practitioner and policy audiences.
• Strong problem solving, project management, and relationship management skills.
• Ability to manage time for work on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Some experience in client communications and relationship management
• Solid technical writing skills and use of plain language.
• Outstanding interpersonal and critical reasoning skills.
• Ability for travel to client meetings and conferences (up to 25% by air and car).
• Qualified applicants must be U.S. citizens due to security clearance requirements for projects.

Please include a Resume and Cover Letter when applying. Candidates should be prepared to provide professional references and a writing sample upon request.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

The pay range for this position is $106,000 - $125,000.

This position is classified as regular. Regular staff are eligible for NORC's comprehensive benefits program. Benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generously subsidized health insurance, effective on the first day of employment
• Dental and vision insurance
• A defined contribution retirement program, along with a separate voluntary 403(b) retirement program
• Group life insurance, long-term and short-term disability insurance
• Benefits that promote work/life balance, including generous paid time off, holidays; paid parental leave, bereavement leave, tuition assistance, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

NORC is committed to equity and transparency in its pay practices. We publish salary ranges and benefit information for every job. The listed hiring range reflects what we, in good faith, expect to pay at the time of posting, though actual compensation may vary and may be adjusted over time. A candidate's placement within the range depends on factors such as competencies, education, qualifications, experience, skills, performance, and organizational needs.

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Advertised: June 16, 2026 Central Daylight Time Applications close:

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