Research Associate I – International Programs - Bethesda office

Company: NORC at the University of Chicago
Location: Bethesda
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

JOB DESCRIPTION: NORC at the University of Chicago seeks a Research Associate I to support project work in the International Programs Department (INPRO) in our Bethesda, Maryland office. The Research Associate I is an entry-level role that will support senior technical staff in implementing evaluation projects and data collection and analysis activities. They will work on business development tasks. Candidates must have working proficiency with either French or Spanish language. Specific technical responsibilities may include conducting literature reviews, assisting in the design of survey and/or qualitative instruments and training materials, coordinating and assisting interviewer training activities, conducting data quality reviews of quantitative and/or qualitative data, and analysis of primary and secondary data including preparation of reports, memos, and tables/graphs of findings and supporting business development. Applicants must be based in either our Bethesda, MD or Chicago, IL office. The starting salary for the position is $53,000/year plus full benefits. DEPARTMENT: International Programs INPRO was established in 2005, and works on impact and performance evaluations, surveys, and qualitative data collection, among other research activities, throughout the developing world. Our research covers a range of sectors including education and training, child and youth well-being, democracy and governance, agriculture, water and sanitation, infrastructure, housing, finance, and health. Since its establishment INPRO has implemented projects in more than 90 countries. RESPONSIBILITIES: Responsible for project support and completing tasks related to research design, data collection, monitoring, cleaning, analysis and delivery Assisting Project Managers with keeping tasks on track Planning and conducting a wide range of data collection activities; assisting with data analyses Prepare background research including literature reviews and environmental scans to inform instrument development and supporting research documentation. Assist in the development of data collection protocols including instrument testing and scheduling data collection as appropriate. Assist with data preparation, cleaning and analysis Providing technical and administrative support on proposals Business development responsibilities may include coordinating and supporting proposal development for both large and small business development opportunities, including developing and tracking proposal calendar and compliance matrix; recruiting subcontractors and consultants for proposals; researching organizational partners; formatting CVs and proposal; producing capability statements and past performance references; among other things. S/he may also be responsible for pre-proposal capture work and developing business development resource repositories The position will require occasional international travel for 2 weeks at a time and offers an opportunity to gain first-hand management and field experience. REQUIRED SKILLS: Bachelor's Degree in International Relations, Public Policy, Economics, or other social science research field required. Degrees in other subjects will be considered, if other relevant skills apply Internships or some research experience in international development, economics, public policy or related fields required Working proficiency with either French or Spanish Working knowledge of the principles, processes, and methods of social science research including a focus on survey research, qualitative data collection, digital data curation or secondary data analysis, through reading literature and experience in the field Understanding of qualitative/quantitative analysis Excellent writing skills Strong organizational skills Experience with monitoring and evaluation, surveys and data analysis and/or qualitative research Strong proficiency with MS Office software, including Excel Strong analytic skills Outstanding interpersonal and critical reasoning skills Proficiency with quantitative (STATA, SPSS) and/or qualitative (NVivo, Dedoose. Atlas ti) software packages International experience a plus The position may require occasional international travel for 2 weeks at a time (once it is safe to do so). Qualified applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S. We regret that we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position. WHAT WE DO: NORC at the University of Chicago is an objective, non-partisan research institution that delivers reliable data and rigorous analysis to guide critical programmatic, business, and policy decisions. Since 1941, our teams have conducted groundbreaking studies, created and applied innovative methods and tools, and advanced principles of scientific integrity and collaboration. Today, government, corporate, and nonprofit clients around the world partner with us to transform increasingly complex information into useful knowledge. We provide comprehensive and integrated services that span the research cycle, and offer solutions that anticipate and address critical needs in research and data science. We approach all work with deep technical expertise, a spirit of collaboration, and a commitment to scientific integrity. WHO WE ARE: For over 80 years, NORC has evolved in many ways, moving the needle with research methods, technical applications and groundbreaking research findings. But our tradition of excellence, passion for innovation, and commitment to collegiality have remained constant components of who we are as a brand, and who each of us is as a member of the NORC team. With world-class benefits, a business casual environment, and an emphasis on continuous learning, NORC is a place where people join for the stellar research and analysis work for which we’re known, and stay for the relationships they form with their colleagues who take pride in the impact their work is making on a global scale. EEO STATEMENT: NORC is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer that values and actively seeks diversity in the workforce. NORC evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and other legally- protected characteristics. LI-MS1

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