Research Associate

Northwestern University; Evanston (IL); On-site; USD 72,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid vacation

Tuition benefits

Flexible work arrangements

Job summary

Northwestern University is seeking a full-time research associate for the State of Local News Project, focusing on local news access in Midwestern states. The ideal candidate will have strong data analysis skills, a relevant master's degree, and a passion for local journalism.

The role includes responsibilities like data evaluation, report development, and mentorship for research teams. Competitive benefits and support for career development are provided.

Qualifications

• Several years of experience in large, data-driven research projects.
• Proficient in programming languages for data analysis.
• Experience in a higher-education environment is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct special research projects on local news access.
• Update and analyze local news media data.
• Provide data and analysis for outside researchers.
• Communicate research findings effectively.

Skills

Database management

Data analysis software fluency

Experience with data mining

Natural language processing

Geographic data analysis

Education

Master's or higher in data science, statistics or related field

Tools

R

Python

PowerBI

Tableau

ArcGIS

Job description

Job Summary

The State of Local News Project at Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications is seeking candidates for a full-time research associate position. The State of Local News Project works to study the media landscape of the United States, and its findings and data are being used by scholars, journalists, nonprofit organizations, and policymakers.

Reporting directly to the project director, the research associate will be involved in all aspects of collecting, evaluating, and analyzing local news data, helping to develop annual reports, and collaborating with outside researchers. This position will take ownership of a focused research project examining community news access across Midwestern states. Additionally, the person in this role will provide advice, mentorship and quality control for research done through the Local News Accelerator.

Ideal candidates should be able to demonstrate several years of experience working on large, data‑driven research projects, and must possess fluency with database management and data analysis software, as well as a strong interest in the future of local journalism. Experience in data mining, natural language processing analysis, and working with geographic data is preferred. This will be an in‑person, full‑time position based at Northwestern University's Evanston, IL campus.

Specific Responsibilities

• Special Research Project on Local News Access in Midwestern States
• Updating and Analyzing Local News Media Data
• Providing Data and Analysis for Outside Researchers
• Presenting and Communicating Research Findings
• Provide advice, mentorship and quality control for research done through the Local News Accelerator

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Successful completion of a full course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a master's or higher degree in data science, statistics, or related field; OR appropriate combination of education and relevant experience required

Minimum Competencies

• Programming experience related to data analysis (R, Python, etc.)
• Experience using business intelligence and data visualization tools (PowerBI, Tableau, etc.)
• Experience working with media or audience research.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a higher‑education environment.

Preferred Competencies

• Experience with natural language processing software and methods
• Experience working with geographic information systems (ArcGIS, PostGIS, etc.)

The expected pay for this position is $80,000 annually, in alignment with departmental equity and market data.

Benefits

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre‑tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work‑Life and Wellness

Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles. We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development

Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non‑discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.