Department

AI RISC

About the Department

The Center for RISC is the brainchild of Steven Levitt, professor of economics at the University of Chicago and co-author of Freakonomics. We are not an academic group or research lab. Instead, we investigate today’s social issues by combining unconventional perspectives with empirical data, generating radical solutions with real-world relevance. We then test and scale those solutions through a mix of partnerships with academics, nonprofits, government agencies, international organizations, and private corporations.

Our team holds degrees from the world’s leading universities, and our Analysts have trained in the fields of data science, economics, political science, applied mathematics, and more.

After their time at RISC, our alumni have continued their distinguished paths, pursuing further education, embarking on projects abroad, and taking on roles in tech, academia, philanthropy, and beyond.

Job Summary

The Center for Radical Innovation for Social Change (RISC) at the University of Chicago is looking to hire a unique group of Analysts with different skills and backgrounds to work with us on tackling the world’s biggest problems. Analysts will be responsible for researching the root causes of various social issues, proposing tangible and creative solutions, and piloting those solutions, collaborating with outside partners as appropriate.

Responsibilities

• Quickly gets up to speed on problem areas by conducting academic literature reviews, conversing with experts and potential partners, analyzing data, and reviewing news articles and popular media.
• Identifies constructive approaches and presents findings to colleagues, partners, and funders.
• Pilots new and unconventional solutions, either working with outside partners or driving an initiative within RISC. Solutions could range from building prototypes of new products to designing incentive structures to conducting surveys.
• Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project.
• Analyzes and maintains data and/or specimens. Conducts literature reviews. Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Demonstrated proficiency in data analysis, manipulation, and visualization, e.g., R, Stata, Excel, SQL, Python.
• Web and/or software development experience.
• Product, UX, and/or human-centered design experience.
• Communications and/or media skills (e.g., social media management, graphic design).
• Experience with RCT/experimental design and implementation in a social science field.

Preferred Competencies

• Self-starter, able to juggle multiple priorities with minimal oversight.
• Intensely curious, eager to dive into new issue areas and draw conclusions.
• Comfortable with ambiguity; break down large problems and identify new directions without clear right answers.
• Comfortable changing your mind in the face of new information. As in Freakonomics, our analyses sometimes leads to unexpected findings which may contradict prevailing beliefs.
• Highly resilient. We work on some of the world’s most intractable problems; good Analysts are able to overcome setbacks without being discouraged.
• Strong communicator who can introduce ideas effectively, whether in writing or in presentations.
• Work collaboratively and effectively on a small team, wearing multiple hats and honing our ad-hoc processes.
• Comfortable working with and drawing conclusions from data.
• You are inspired by our mission! No prior social good experience is necessary. We want people who are interested in our work, regardless of previous paths.

Working Conditions

• Located/Relocate near the Chicago area. Employees will be expected in the office 2-3 days per week.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Response to the question, 'How do you want to change the world?' (required)

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.

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