Senior Researcher - Administrative Data Linking

Chapin Hall is seeking a Senior Researcher with a strong interest in data science to lead innovative research designs using multiple sources of administrative data to inform decision-making by public and private child-serving agencies and policymakers. We seek to hire an individual who shares our core values and standards for designing, conducting, and translating high quality research intended to improve quality of life, well-being, and equitable outcomes for children, youth, and families. Chapin Hall seeks to improve the evidence base; inform decision making at the federal, state, and local levels; support the design and testing of interventions; enable faithful implementation and adaptation; and develop innovative means of leveraging administrative data to inform systems change.

The Senior Researcher’s primary responsibilities include directing the management and upkeep of Chapin Hall’s administrative data sources from multiple state human services agencies and other sources of publicly available data. The Senior Researcher will have a strong background in data analysis, traditional research statistical modeling, and machine learning. They will work closely with a cross-functional team of researchers, policy analysts, state human service leaders, community leaders, and lived experts to design and develop data-driven policy solutions.

Chapin Hall embraces a “Work from Anywhere” approach which offers flexible remote work from anywhere in the United States. Chapin Hall also offers in-person opportunities for staff to build: 1) connections, 2) team cohesion and creativity, and 3) a sense of belonging to the organization. All staff are expected to travel to and engage in a minimum of two annual 2-day “All Hall Convenings” featuring shared learning, teamwork, and fellowship. Reasonable accommodations are made for those who require modifications.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Generates innovative research questions and approaches; develops and implements research studies that utilize appropriate data science and statistical modeling methods (quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods), working with community partners and public system partners in the design.
• Collects, cleans, and preprocesses large datasets from various sources.
• Develops and implements statistical models and machine learning algorithms to solve complex policy problems.
• Performs exploratory data analysis to uncover trends, patterns, and insights.
• Communicates findings and insights through data visualizations and reports.
• Stays up-to-date with the latest advancements in data science and machine learning technologies.
• Mentors researchers and provides guidance on best data science practices.
• Directs the development of standard operating procedures for the maintenance of programming codes that transform administrative data into analyzable formats and/or that can be used for data analysis, with a strong emphasis on generalizability and transparency.
• Oversees other researchers who independently collect, convert, merge, and assemble large datasets from various sources to ensure effective quality control.
• Develops research and Institutional Review Board protocols.
• Contributes to the development of research funding proposals.

• A doctoral degree in data science, economics, public policy, statistics, sociology or another relevant field OR a master’s degree plus a minimum of five years of relevant, post-degree experience required.
• Proven experience as a Data Scientist or in a similar role.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, SQL, SAS, or STATA.
• Strong understanding of statistical analysis, machine learning, and data mining techniques.
• Experience with data visualization tools such as Tableau or Power BI or the equivalent.
• Substantive content expertise linking child welfare administrative to other sources of administrative data as evidenced by peer reviewed publications preferred.
• Professional experience using the US Report And Placement Integrated Data System (RAPIDS) is desired but not required.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively manage key partner relationships required.
• Strong communications skills with the ability to translate and convey complex concepts and study findings in oral and written communications required.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently with a high degree of initiative required.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple, concurrent tasks required.
• Demonstrated capacity for working in a collaborative research environment required.
   

MINIMUM PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to operate a computer extensively for four (4) or more hours per day.
• Must be able to travel locally and out of state occasionally.
   

Pre-employment background checks are required for all Chapin Hall positions. Formal expressions of interest are accepted online only. A cover letter, resume, writing sample, and reference contact information are required to be considered for this position.

Individuals in need of reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should contact Human Resources by calling (773) 256-5157, or by sending an email to recruiting@chapinhall.org.

Chapin Hall is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer that values and actively seeks diversity in its workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship, citizenship status, pregnancy or maternity, national origin, status as an individual with disability,  ancestry, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Per U.S. Department of Labor regulations, Chapin Hall offers visa sponsorship in limited instances for hard-to-fill specialty occupation roles. If you have questions about visa sponsorship at Chapin Hall, please reach out to humanresources@chapinhall.org

Regarding the salary range:

Chapin Hall adheres to a competitive market-aligned salary structure for all its administrative, policy, and research roles. Starting salaries within posted ranges are determined by the Chapin Hall Human Resources Department using a consistent, rigorous, and equitable review process.