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.
For more information about our work, visit the Crime Lab and Education Lab websites.
The Role
The University of Chicago Crime Lab and Education Lab is seeking a Qualitative Research Manager to manage a small portfolio of research evaluation and technical assistance projects aimed at tackling gun violence, policing and the criminal justice system, and educational inequity. Working as part of the Project Management team under the supervision of the Associate Director of Project Management, and the guidance of the Portfolio Director of Qualitative Research, the Qualitative Research Manager will work closely with PIs and project staff to coordinate team-based project activities related to qualitative research, including: managing project tasks and deliverables, managing partner relationships, communicating about project activities, and facilitating the collection and analysis of high-quality qualitative data. Strong candidates for this role will have experience overseeing interview or survey data collection on large-scale projects.
This position offers the opportunity to work directly with leading social policy researchers at the University of Chicago and government agency staff, as well as an experienced team of analysts, data scientists, administrative staff, and project managers.
Job Summary
The job participates in scientific research projects. Ensures compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives and mandates. Analyzes possible solutions using standard procedures. Writes articles, reports and manuscripts. Assists in drafting presentations on research findings.
Responsibilities
Manages a portfolio of projects that may include rigorous social science evaluations and technical assistance data analysis projects; coordinates with project team members, PIs, external partners, and stakeholders to push projects forward and achieve research goals.
Supports data collection needs of research projects, including creating and editing research protocols, such as interview guides or survey instruments.
Supervises and monitors data collection to ensure high quality of primary data collected.
Conducts field research as needed. This includes, but is not limited to: observations, interviews, surveys, and focus groups.
Documents, in detail, all data collection activities and maintains accurate records of participants and response rates.
Codes qualitative data using qualitative coding software, such as NVivo, and writes analytic memos summarizing preliminary findings.
Oversees University of Chicago IRB procedures and maintains confidentiality of participant information; ensures compliance with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.
Works with Principal Investigators and Finance Team to develop budgets and coordinate all aspects of grant submission to federal and foundation funding agencies; manages progress reports, performance, or financial reporting as required by the granting agency; monitors anticipated and actual costs charged to project budgets, regularly communicates these to Finance Manager, to identify and prevent potential overruns.
Builds and maintains strong relationships with research partners and all participating partner organizations, government agencies, nonprofits, and other community groups.
Prepares project memos, summaries, presentations, and manuscripts targeting both policymakers, academic researchers, and other stakeholders.
Applies research principles and relevant subject matter knowledge relevant to administer a research project. With a moderate level of direction, manages lab and/or research-related duties and tasks. Helps develop, design, and conduct research projects according to plan.
Supports data collection and analytical needs of research projects. Conducts literature reviews and helps write reports and manuscripts. Ensures project compliance with different policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.
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 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
--- Certifications:
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Preferred Qualifications
Education:
Advanced degree strongly preferred.
Experience:
Previous experience with qualitative research strongly preferred.
Previous experience collecting and coding qualitative data.
Previous experience project managing in a research organization or managing research projects strongly preferred.
Preferred Competencies
Comfortable problem solving and taking initiative; understands when to manage up and when to delegate.
Ability to project manage a research team and stay organized.
Thinks analytically and seeks ground truth.
Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to maintain positive relationships with various stakeholders.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present data in a simple and straightforward way for non-technical audiences.
Ability to code interview data in qualitative coding software, such as NVivo or MAXQDA.
Thorough and detail-oriented in completing tasks; produces high-quality deliverables.
Demonstrates maturity and sound judgement in project-related matters.
Application Documents
Resume or CV (Required)
Cover Letter detailing your experience with related qualitative research (Required)
Writing Sample: please draft a summary of a recent qualitative research project that you were involved in, detailing how you contributed to the initial planning, data collection, and analysis. (Required)
When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Research
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Frequency
Monthly
Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5
Benefits Eligible
Yes
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, 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.
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.
