Temporary Qualitative Research Assistant

Department ​
 
UL Urban Crime Lab

About the Department

​

Who We Are In cities across the country, people face high rates of gun violence, under-resourced schools, and social harms associated with the criminal justice system -- all of which disproportionately impact people of color. These inequalities have profound consequences on public safety and opportunity. As a society we have failed to address these challenges, in part, because of our lack of understanding of the most effective and cost-effective solutions that can have a real impact on people’s lives. We believe that rigorous research can help. The University of Chicago Crime Lab and Education Lab partner with cities and communities to use data and rigorous research to design, test, and scale programs and policies that enhance public safety, improve educational outcomes, and advance justice. Our mission is to combine world-class data science and research, in partnership with government agencies, to substantially improve the effectiveness of the public sector and achieve impact at scale. To learn more about the Crime Lab and Education Lab, visit https://urbanlabs.uchicago.edu/labs/crime. The Role We are seeking Qualitative Research Assistants to help with conducting interviews and observations within cutting-edge violence prevention programs in Chicago. RAs will be involved in data collection and preliminary analysis alongside a team of leading social policy researchers at Princeton and The University of Chicago. No previous research experience is required, although it is necessary for applicants to be open to working in high-poverty neighborhoods and capable of engaging in serious subject matter such as gun violence. This position is a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of applied research and program evaluation through doing it firsthand. This paid position will be full-time for approximately 37.5 hours per week.

Job Information ​
 

Job Summary:

We are seeking Qualitative Research Assistants to help with conducting interviews and observations within cutting-edge violence prevention programs in Chicago. RAs will be involved in data collection and preliminary analysis alongside a team of leading social policy researchers at Princeton and The University of Chicago. No previous research experience is required, although it is necessary for applicants to be open to working in high-poverty neighborhoods and capable of engaging in serious subject matter such as gun violence. This position is a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of applied research and program evaluation through doing it firsthand. This paid position will be full-time for approximately 37.5 hours per week.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct interviews and observations at programs located within Chicago Public Schools and community organizations in Chicago’s South and West Sides.

• Write daily jottings and field notes based on observations.

• Meet (frequently) with research team to communicate findings.

Competencies:

• Ability to engage thoughtfully with issues related to race, crime, and poverty.

• Demonstrates knowledge of research theory, methods, and literature.

• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.

• Ability to work both independently and to collaborate with others, both on internal teams and with external partners.

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to work discretely with sensitive and confidential data.

Additional Requirements ​​
 

Education, Experience, or Certifications:

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED required.

• Significant progress towards a degree in a social science discipline such as economics, public policy, or sociology with coursework in basic research concepts and methods required.

Experience:

• First generation college students and those with lived experience in communities experiencing poverty and disinvestment preferred.

Required Documents:

• Resume

• Cover Letter

• References

When applying, the document(s) MUST  be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Benefit Eligibility ​
 
No

Requires Compliance with University Covid-19 Vaccination Requirement
 

Yes

Pay Frequency ​
 
Hourly

Pay Range
 
Depends on Qualifications

Scheduled Weekly Hours ​
 
37.5

Union ​
 
Non-Union

Job is Exempt
 
No

Drug Test Required
 
No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 
No

Health Screen Required
No

Posting Date ​
 
2022-04-13-07:00

Remove from Posting On or Before ​
 
2022-10-13-07:00

Posting Statement: ​​
 

Employees must comply with the University’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements. More information about the requirements can be found on the University of Chicago Vaccination GoForward .
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity /Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

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.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.