Senior Research Methodologist

Company: NORC at the University of Chicago
Location: Chicago
Posted on: April 2, 2026

Job Description:

JOB DESCRIPTION: NORC at the University of Chicago is seeking an experienced Senior Research Methodologist to join the Methodology and Quantitative Social Sciences department. We are looking for applied economists or quantitative social scientists with strong analytic and quantitative skills, a passion for cross-disciplinary collaboration, and subject matter knowledge in one of NORC’s substantive focus areas. The Senior Research Methodologist will design rigorous methods for evaluating programs and policies; conduct econometric, cost-benefit, and other economic analyses; draft reports, present findings to policy and professional audiences, and publish in professional journals. The successful candidate will have strong analytic, communication, and management skills and contribute effectively across a variety of projects As a condition of employment, all NORC employees and contractors – including those working remotely - must be fully vaccinated (as defined by current CDC guidance) against COVID-19. While our main office locations are in Chicago, IL and Bethesda, MD we will consider fully remote for qualified candidates who are not in the Chicago or Bethesda market. DEPARTMENT: Methodology and Quantitative Social Sciences The Methodology and Quantitative Social Sciences (MQSS) is one of NORC’s core methodology departments that brings innovative and rigorous quantitative methods that advance NORC’s evaluations of programs, policies, and initiatives, and advances the creation of data sources trusted by decisionmakers, researchers, and the public. The department provides leadership throughout the project lifecycle on study design, data collection, assessment of data quality, quantitative analysis, and dissemination of results. The Methodological and Quantitative Social Sciences department also conducts its own research and is a leader in designing and implementing rigorous, efficient methods for gathering, evaluating, and analyzing data from primary and secondary sources. The department provides expertise and leads NORC strategy on the use of a broad range of methods and techniques, including research and experimental design, recruitment and retention, instrument design and testing, assessing data quality, evaluating measurement properties of new measures, causal inference methods, machine learning, analysis of clustered data, data visualization and use of novel data sources and technologies to improve data gathering. The department collaborates with the Statistics and Data Science Department on areas of synergy and intersection and with all NORC subject matter areas (economics, markets and the workforce; education training and learning; global development; health and well-being; society, media, and public affairs), in addition to leading its own projects. RESPONSIBILITIES: Function as a project director or lead methodologist, providing leadership and accountability for all activities on project assignments and managing the activities and quality of work products of other staff. Support the development of the strategy and vision for methodological projects. Design and develop the approaches and techniques to enhance the organizations methodological capabilities, including data collection, instrument design and analytic methods. Collaborate and provide direction and oversight on methodological and analytical efforts, including study design, recruitment and data collection approaches, analytic methods, processes and workflows, data stewardship, quality assurance, and communication of methods and results through client memos, reports, and presentations. Engage in significant business development activities, including leading proposals, developing and supporting innovative approaches as well as considerable proposal writing and budgeting. Establish strong communication and collaboration with project team members and clients and navigate new developments and potential methodological and operational innovations. Able to explain methodological and analytic approaches to less technical audiences. Apply advanced methodological and analytical solutions to design and execute economic evaluations and policy/program analysis. Conduct independent research in areas of expertise and develop new techniques that advance NORC's capabilities. Present results at national scientific and stakeholder meetings and disseminate research findings through peer-reviewed publications, research reports, and presentations. Develop and maintain strong cross-departmental and intradepartmental working relationships. Supervise and mentor staff on technical and operational tasks, client relations, effective communication, and thought leadership. REQUIRED SKILLS: Master’s or PhD in economics preferred. Master’s degree in economics, biostatistics, sociology, psychology, political science or other social science, survey methodology, data science, or related field is required. Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in positions of increasing responsibility in applied economics, research methods, data science, quantitative analysis, statistics, or related area. Minimum of three years of experience in project management and proposal development. Expert knowledge of the principles, processes, and methods of social science research and application for quantitative analyses. Demonstrated experience designing studies and conducting research using econometric methods to evaluate and identify effects of policies and programs. Ability to lead the design, development, and implementation of econometric, cost-benefit, and other economic analyses using a variety of methods and techniques to evaluate the social benefit of programs, policies, and interventions. Advanced understanding of research methods, including quantitative social science analysis, survey methodology, advanced analytic methods, new data sources, or data science. Demonstrated ability to lead large client projects or tasks, including problem identification and resolution, and to work on multiple projects simultaneously. Experienced with responding to and winning large-scale projects through a competitive bidding process. Excellent written and oral communication skills, as demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications, presentations to clients and other external audiences, written proposals, and research reports. Demonstrated leadership and recognition within the profession. Experienced with supervising and mentoring staff. Enthusiasm for teamwork and collaboration across disciplinary boundaries. Subject matter knowledge in one of NORC’s substantive focus areas is a plus. WHAT WE DO: NORC at the University of Chicago is an objective, non-partisan research institution that delivers reliable data and rigorous analysis to guide critical programmatic, business, and policy decisions. Since 1941, our teams have conducted groundbreaking studies, created and applied innovative methods and tools, and advanced principles of scientific integrity and collaboration. Today, government, corporate, and nonprofit clients around the world partner with us to transform increasingly complex information into useful knowledge. WHO WE ARE: For over 75 years, NORC has evolved in many ways, moving the needle with research methods, technical applications and groundbreaking research findings. But our tradition of excellence, passion for innovation, and commitment to collegiality have remained constant components of who we are as a brand, and who each of us is as a member of the NORC team. With world-class benefits, a business casual environment, and an emphasis on continuous learning, NORC is a place where people join for the stellar research and analysis work for which we’re known, and stay for the relationships they form with their colleagues who take pride in the impact their work is making on a global scale. EEO STATEMENT: NORC is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer that values and actively seeks diversity in the workforce. NORC evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and other legally- protected characteristics.

Keywords: NORC at the University of Chicago, Chicago , Senior Research Methodologist, Science, Research & Development , Chicago, Illinois