Data Scientist/Social Science Researcher

Cim; Evanston (IL); Hybrid; USD 33,000 - 78,000; Part time

Job summary

Cim is seeking an experienced freelance researcher to lead data-driven analyses across advocacy research, messaging polls, and organizational surveys. You will shepherd projects from research design and data cleaning through analysis and final deliverables, collaborating directly with firm leadership and clients.

Qualifications

• PhD preferred in a quantitative social science field or equivalent experience.
• Ability to design and conduct quantitative research projects efficiently.
• Knowledge of polling and public opinion research principles and best practices.
• Proficiency in R and/or STATA as primary analysis tools.
• Experience with survey platforms such as Qualtrics or SurveyMonkey.

Responsibilities

• Draft public opinion surveys using social scientific best practices to address clients' strategic questions.
• Clean and process survey data, including development of survey weights.
• Produce deliverables: topline results, memos, and data visualizations for presentations.
• Design and execute research projects using internal client data.
• Communicate complex quantitative results to audiences with varying levels of statistical fluency.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Written communication

Critical thinking

Project management

Remote work autonomy

Education

Advanced degree (PhD preferred) in quantitative social science

Tools

R

STATA

Qualtrics

SurveyMonkey

Microsoft Office

Data visualization tools

Job description

We are seeking an experienced freelance researcher with advanced skills in data science, research design, and translational research. Reporting to and partnering directly with firm leadership, you will work across a varied portfolio—advocacy research, messaging polls for political candidates, organizational climate surveys, and more. Survey analysis is our most frequent type of project.

The ideal candidate brings a flexible mind and the ability to carry data-centric projects from research design and data cleaning through analysis and final deliverables. You will use your whole brain, learn new skills, teach your collaborators, and directly shape strategic decisions made by our corporate, political, and nonprofit clients.

We anticipate a workload of approximately 30–60 hours per month, varying with the project cycle. We would ideally fill this position with one person working across a wide range of projects, but we are also building a roster of partners for project-based work. Applicants with limited availability are welcome alongside those seeking more regular, intensive engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft public opinion surveys, using social scientific best practices, that answer clients’ key strategic questions.
• Clean and process survey data efficiently, including the development of survey weights.
• Produce survey deliverables: topline results, strategy-focused memos, and presentations with clear, data visualizations.
• Design and execute research projects using internal client data.
• Communicate complex quantitative results to audiences with varying levels of statistical fluency.

• Advanced degree (PhD preferred) in a quantitative social science field, or equivalent experience
• Demonstrated ability to design and conduct quantitative research projects efficiently
• Knowledge of best practices and scientific principles of polling and public opinion research
• High proficiency in R and/or STATA, our primary analysis tools
• Experience with survey platforms such as Qualtrics or SurveyMonkey
• Knowledge of and experience applying data visualization best practices
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and presentation software
• Excellent writing, communication, and critical thinking skills
• Ability to balance priorities within and across projects, learn new skills, and adapt to new clients
• High responsiveness and self-directed autonomy in a remote work environment
• Understanding of and experience with equity-driven research and analysis
• Commitment to working with people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives