Predoctoral Scholar

Department

PSD Data Science: Research Staff

About the Department

The Data Science Institute at the University of Chicago was established to support the development of emerging efforts in data science across the University. The staff in the Data Science Institute support the Universitys community of scholars their shared ideals and the core values that make the University a singular intellectual destination. Together with the Universitys deans and department chairs the Data Science Institute provides the opportunities infrastructure and resources that encourage our faculty and other scholars to pursue their finest work. We are part of the Physical Sciences Division which includes departments such as math statistics and computer science as well as several interdisciplinary research institutes and centers.

The Data and Democracy Research Lab is a unique interdisciplinary team combining expertise in mathematics algorithm design geospatial data and public policy. Members of the lab pursue cutting-edge research in the basic science and practically relevant applications of geometry probability and computing to the design of democratic mechanisms including redistricting and alternative systems of election like ranked choice voting. We maintain a number of widely used open-source software packages and work closely with a broad set of institutional and public-interest partners engaged in election administration civic education and data-driven efforts to improve democratic institutions.

Job Summary

The Data and Democracy Lab under the direction of PI Moon Duchin seeks to train a new generation of research leaders through a predoctoral program that will position them strongly for PhD study in data science with social impact. These two-year in-person positions will provide a bridge from broad undergraduate education to more specialized doctoral programs. Examples of well-aligned PhD programs include data science applied math computer science statistics geography or demography sociology political science economics and public policy.

Predoctoral Scholars will be full participants in the whole range of activities of the Data and Democracy Research Initiative that houses the Lab. Predocs will gain research and coding skills through direct mentorship in the Lab as well as acquiring specific domain knowledge in Census and geospatial data systems of election and effective data visualization. Successful candidates will be comfortable asking questions diving head first into research projects and have the ability to communicate with a wide variety of audiences.

Responsibilities

• Applies mathematical and computational ideas to the study of voting elections and collective decision making.

• Actively participates in research projects.

• Writes and publishes reports and research papers.

• Develops and tests research code for open-source software packages.

• Works in collaboration with members of the research team and policy partners.

• Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project.

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

• Performs other related work 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:

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Preferred Qualifications

Experience:

• Depth of coursework in both STEM and in humanities and social sciences. Evidence of breadth and critical thinking is particularly valuable.

• Prior coding experience in Python or R with willingness to learn Python-based tools.

• Demonstrated experience in community engagement and wide-audience communication.

• Demonstrated interest in the study of democratic systems and civil rights.

• Experience in data analysis.

• Strong quantitative skills.

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to work both independently and as a team member.

Working Conditions

• Predoctoral Fellow will be based out of Chicago IL.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)

• Statement of interest (2-3 pages) that covers relevant parts of the candidates background college experience description of past projects and possible research directions. Should describe the candidates fit for this position and address planned career trajectory and list names of recommendation writers. (required)

• Letters of Recommendation sent by email from the recommender to Mindi Mysliwiec () with the subject line DDRI Predoc. (2 required)

• Unofficial Transcript (required)

• Review of applications will begin on February 15. Applications that are submitted by that date will receive full consideration.

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

$50000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the Universitys 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 Universitys Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 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.

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