Lab Manager, Data & Democracy Research Initiative

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 University's community of scholars, their shared ideals, and the core values that make the University a singular intellectual destination. Together with the University's 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.

Job Summary

The Data & Democracy Research Initiative (DDRI), led by Professor Moon Duchin, is a unique effort to bring mathematical and computational tools to the study of democracy. The Data & Democracy Lab Manager will report to Professor Moon Duchin with dotted line reporting to the DSI Senior Director of Research Programs & Strategy. This role is integral to the smooth operation of the initiative and requires a combination of skills in operations, public engagement, and technical communication for the blend of math, law, policy, and open-source software projects anticipated in the work of DDRI. The Lab Manager will combine administrative duties with active research participation on projects in structural democracy -- the study of systems and mechanisms of democratic representation. The DDRI seeks a dynamic and broad individual who will build relationships and will excel in a diverse set of responsibilities that help to translate academic research into policy recommendations and implementation.

Responsibilities

• Builds and maintains relationships with key research collaborators in NGOs and other partner organizations.

• Actively participates in ongoing research projects, including as co-author on scholarly publications and speaker in public lectures and presentations.

• Designs and conducts experimental work in collaboration with researchers.

• Oversees day-to-day administrative operations of the Data & Democracy Research Initiative.

• Identifies fundraising opportunities and leads grant-writing efforts to support core Initiative activities.

• Manages media relations, engages with the public and media to promote and disseminate research, and serves as a spokesperson for the research initiative.

• Leads and supports the completion of written reports and white papers, such as reports modeling alternative voting systems and their impact on representation.

• Assists in data analysis and interpretation.

• Ensures smooth administration of the Initiative, including financial and administrative oversight, project management, and grant reporting, and implements corrective action when appropriate.

• Hires and manages support staff to meet the Initiative's goals.

• Uses visualization and strong narrative skills to make technical findings accessible to a wide public.

• Guides data collection, evaluation and analysis. Designs and manages databases. Writes reports, articles and manuscripts.

• Presents research findings at meetings and conferences, as well as to funding agencies. Conducts literature reviews. Develop and maintain liaisons and effective working relations with groups and individuals, agencies, and the public to encourage cooperative management strategies or to develop information and interpret findings.

• 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 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

• --

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Advanced degree in a related field, including law, computer science, data science, social science, or public policy.

Experience:

• Experience working with a large and complex academic research Initiative.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Experience with programming languages, especially Python.

Preferred Competencies

• Demonstrated ability to maintain high-level relationships with academic researchers and external partnerships.
• Expert problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Effective program management, project management, or a similar administrative role.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience in scholarly or public-facing research.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to engage with a diverse audience, including the public, media, and academic peers.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• Writing Sample (required)

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

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

$75,000.00 - $110,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University's 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 University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

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.

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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