Predoctoral Scholar

PSD Data Science: Research Staff The Data Science Institute at the University of Chicago was established to support the development of emerging efforts in data science across the University. The staff in the Data Science Institute support the University’s community of scholars, their shared ideals, and the core values that make the University a singular intellectual destination. Together with the University's deans and department chairs, the Data Science Institute provides the opportunities, infrastructure, and resources that encourage our faculty and other scholars to pursue their finest work. We are part of the Physical Sciences Division which includes departments such as math, statistics, and computer science, as well as several interdisciplinary research institutes and centers.

The Data and Democracy Research Lab is a unique interdisciplinary team combining expertise in mathematics, algorithm design, geospatial data, and public policy. Members of the lab pursue cutting-edge research in the basic science and practically relevant applications of geometry, probability, and computing to the design of democratic mechanisms, including redistricting and “alternative” systems of election like ranked choice voting. We maintain a number of widely used open-source software packages and work closely with a broad set of institutional and public-interest partners engaged in election administration, civic education, and data-driven efforts to improve democratic institutions. The Data and Democracy Lab, under the direction of PI Moon Duchin, seeks to train a new generation of research leaders through a predoctoral program that will position them strongly for PhD study in data science with social impact. These two-year, in-person positions will provide a bridge from broad undergraduate education to more specialized doctoral programs. Examples of well-aligned PhD programs include data science, applied math, computer science, statistics, geography or demography, sociology, political science, economics, and public policy.

Predoctoral Scholars will be full participants in the whole range of activities of the Data and Democracy Research Initiative that houses the Lab. Predocs will gain research and coding skills through direct mentorship in the Lab, as well as acquiring specific domain knowledge in Census and geospatial data, systems of election, and effective data visualization. Successful candidates will be comfortable asking questions, diving head first into research projects, and have the ability to communicate with a wide variety of audiences.

• Applies mathematical and computational ideas to the study of voting, elections, and collective decision making.
• Actively participates in research projects.
• Writes and publishes reports and research papers.
• Develops and tests research code for open-source software packages.
• Works in collaboration with members of the research team and policy partners.
• 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 requirements include a college or university degree in related field. Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

• Depth of coursework in both STEM and in humanities and social sciences. Evidence of breadth and critical thinking is particularly valuable.
• Prior coding experience in Python or R, with willingness to learn Python-based tools.
• Demonstrated experience in community engagement and wide-audience communication.
• Demonstrated interest in the study of democratic systems and civil rights.
• Experience in data analysis.
• Strong quantitative skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work both independently and as a team member.

• Predoctoral Fellow will be based out of Chicago, IL.

• Resume (required)
• Statement of interest (2-3 pages) that covers relevant parts of the candidate’s background, college experience, description of past projects, and possible research directions. Should describe the candidate’s fit for this position and address planned career trajectory. (required)
• Letters of Recommendation (2 required)
• Unofficial Transcript (required)

Research Individual Contributor 37.5 No No No Salary Exempt $50,000.00 Yes