Research Scientist Role at the University of Chicago’s Data Science Institute: A Deep Dive into Data and Democracy
Advancing Democracy Through Data Science
In an era where data intersects with every dimension of modern governance, applying rigorous research to promote transparency, fairness, and trust in democratic processes is more critical than ever. The University of Chicago’s Data Science Institute (DSI) invites applications for the highly specialized position of Research Scientist in the area of Data and Democracy.
This opportunity allows emerging or established scholars to engage in original, high-impact research at the intersection of computational analysis and public policy. The position is led by Professor Moon Duchin, whose renowned work in algorithmic redistricting and political fairness has helped shape national discourse on democratic integrity.
Join a transformative research initiative at the University of Chicago’s Data Science Institute as a Research Scientist, working on data-driven projects that advance fairness, transparency, and integrity in democratic systems under the leadership of Prof. Moon Duchin.
Position Summary: What to Expect as a Research Scientist
The Research Scientist will join a multidisciplinary team working on civic-impact research related to democratic representation, fairness in algorithms, and public accountability.
Core Responsibilities
The appointed Research Scientist will be expected to following tasks:
-
-
Design, manage, and execute original research projects aligned with the Data and Democracy initiative.
-
Curate, manage, and analyze structured and unstructured datasets, often derived from electoral, demographic, and institutional sources.
-
Conduct comprehensive literature reviews to contextualize findings within broader academic and policy frameworks.
-
Collaborate on scholarly outputs including peer-reviewed publications, white papers, and policy briefs.
-
Serve as a mentor and collaborator with students, postdoctoral researchers, and institutional partners across DSI and the broader University.
-
Actively contribute to outreach efforts, public discussions, and interdisciplinary seminars that bridge data science with civic impact.
-
The position begins approximately in September 2025 and will be initially funded for one year.
The appointment might be renewed for up to two additional years, subject to continued project relevance and performance.
Ideal Profile: Who Should Apply
This role is tailored for researchers with both technical proficiency and a demonstrated commitment to ethics. The ideal applicant will hold
Key Qualifications
Applicants should ideally possess:
-
-
A Ph.D. in a relevant discipline, including but not limited to computer science, political science, statistics, applied mathematics, or public policy.
-
Proficiency in Python, R, or SQL, with experience in handling large civic datasets or spatial data being a distinct advantage.
-
A track record of peer-reviewed publications or substantial analytical contributions to prior projects.
-
Strong interest or prior exposure to redistricting, voting systems, social equity, or policy modeling.
-
Ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary academic environment.
-
Excellent verbal and written communication skills for both scholarly and non-academic audiences.
-
Researchers seeking a meaningful academic role with tangible policy impact will find this position deeply rewarding.
About the Data Science Institute (DSI), University of Chicago
The Data Science Institute at the University of Chicago serves as an epicenter for interdisciplinary scholarship in data and computation. With a focus on ethical AI, responsible data use, and civic applications of data science, DSI unites expertise from computing, social science, policy, and the humanities to confront contemporary societal issues.
Among its notable achievements, DSI leads pioneering initiatives on:
