Research Scientist

Description

The Data Science Institute invites applications for the position of Research Scientist. The Research Scientist will join a dynamic research group focusing on projects in Data and Democracy. Primary responsibilities for this position include developing and conducting original research; curating and analyzing datasets; conducting literature reviews; co-authoring reports, manuscripts, and articles; interacting with students and other members of the broader DSI community in collaboration with the principal investigator (Moon Duchin).

Other responsibilities may include the following secondary duties, where aligned with the interests of the Research Scientist: mentoring undergraduate and graduate students; attending or conducting community meetings; contributing to open-source software projects.

This position is expected to begin on or around September 1, 2025. The initial term of the appointment will be for one year, with the possibility of renewal for up to two additional years depending on project needs.

The University of Chicago is implementing an ambitious plan for research and education in Data Science and AI including new academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels and new cross-disciplinary research programs. The Data Science Institute  (datascience.uchicago.edu) is a collaboration among the Department of Computer Science (cs.uchicago.edu), the Department of Statistics (stat.uchicago.edu), and other units on campus. Topics of interest include foundations and applications of artificial intelligence, machine learning, large language models, data ethics and privacy, data visualization, societal impact of data and AI, safe and trustworthy AI, data engineering, scalable data systems, and high dimensional statistical inference, and we encourage applications from all researchers focused on developing the foundations and practice of Data Science as an emerging field. The Data Science Institute focuses on research that advances fundamental theories at the intersection of data science, artificial intelligence, statistics, and computing in the context of real world and domain-specific problems. The Committee on Data Science (codas.uchicago.edu) is the home of data science education programs. The larger data science community at the University of Chicago includes the Toyota Technological Institute at Chicago (TTIC), the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Fermilab and Argonne National Laboratory.

Salary Range or Pay Grade:

$95,000. The salary for the first year of this appointment is fixed at $95,000. This position also offers a one-time relocation allowance of $1,000. Additionally, this position offers an annual research stipend of $5,000 per year intended for materials, travel, registration, etc. 

This position is benefits-eligible, and information regarding benefits can be found here:  https://humanresources.uchicago.edu/benefits/

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications:

(i) completion of all requirements for a Ph.D. in computer science, math, applied math, statistics, political science, geography or a closely related field is required at the time of appointment

(ii)  at least 2 years of experience in mathematical modeling

(iii)  research interest in one or more of the following: race and civil rights, elections and voting rights, participatory research, or constitutional law

Preferred qualifications:

(i) prior experience with open-source software development in Python, or willingness to learn

(ii) exceptional writing skills 

(iii) strong record of publication

(iv) potential to develop independent research initiatives

Application Instructions

Applications must be submitted online through the University of Chicago’s Academic Jobs website:  apply.interfolio.com/167578

Review of applications will begin on June 13, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled.

The following materials are required:

• cover letter explaining interest in and fit for the position
• curriculum vitae including a list of publications
• research statement describing accomplishments
• applicants are required to request at least three confidential letters of recommendation via Interfolio
• writing sample of recent academic work

Equal Employment Opportunity 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 773-834-3988 or email equalopportunity@uchicago.edu with their request.