Research Assistant
The University of Chicago

Department

Provost CASE At-Large

About the Department

The Office of Research works with faculty and deans to support and enhance research funding and manage large-scale research infrastructure such as University Research Administration (URA) and the University of Chicago Consortium for Advanced Science and Engineering (CASE), the Office of Research Safety, Research Computing Center, and Research Development Support.

Job Summary

The Research Assistant will work closely with the principal investigator (Dr. Daniel Maldonado, Scientist-at-Large, CASE, The University of Chicago, Assistant Scientist, Mathematics and Computer Science Division, Argonne National Laboratories) to carry out grant-funded projects focused on developing randomized algorithms and their implementation, developing uncertainty quantification algorithms, and developing statistical techniques to model data. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of a cutting-edge cyberinfrastructure for rapid implementation and reproducible comparison of randomized linear algebra algorithms, as well as the creation of novel methodologies for optimization under non-Gaussian probabilistic constraints. The Research Assistant will play a key role in advancing the state-of-the-art in these areas, with a focus on statistical modeling, uncertainty quantification, and the development of robust and reliable algorithms for complex, real-world applications.

Responsibilities

• Supports projects and carries out activities to advance goals and objectives.
  
• Conducts scientific literature reviews.
  
• Collaborates with Principal Investigator and team to develop and implement novel research algorithms.
  
• Engages with research community and disseminates research.
  
• Collects, organizes, and may analyze information from the University's various internal data systems as well as from external sources.
  
• Maintains and analyzes statistical models using general knowledge of best practices in machine learning and statistical inference. Performs maintenance on large and complex research and administrative datasets. Responds to requests and engages other IT resources as needed.
  
• May assist staff or faculty members with data manipulation, statistical applications, programming, analysis and modeling on a scheduled or ad-hoc basis.
  
• 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 ---
Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Experience:

• At least three (3) years of professional experience writing code in an interpreted language, such as Python or Javascript.
  
• Experience communicating results through writing and presentations, both in and out of one's own discipline.
  
• Knowledge of software development best practices and commonly used tools.
  
• Demonstrated experience in software engineering, applied machine learning and/or advanced statistical methods.
  
• Demonstrated record of success working at the intersection of environment, human rights and data science.
  
• Experience participating in open source software development and significant contributions to open source projects are also highly valued in this role.
  
• Expertise in probability theory, linear algebra, and statistics.
  
• Familiarity with data analysis, visualization, and statistical inference techniques.
  

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python and Matlab.
  

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
  
• Cover Letter (preferred)
  

When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Research

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

Pay Frequency

Biweekly

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

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.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at:http://securityreport.uchicago.edu.Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

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