Research Specialist Jobs in Illinois
Research Specialist jobs in Illinois are in strong demand, with active hiring concentrated in academic research, pharmaceutical and life sciences, healthcare systems, and policy think tanks, with openings ranging from entry-level research assistants through senior and principal specialist roles. Chicago leads hiring volume by a wide margin, with Evanston and Rockford also generating consistent openings, and major employers such as Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, and Abbott Laboratories maintain ongoing research specialist pipelines. The most sought-after specialties in Illinois right now are clinical research, social science and policy research, and biomedical data analysis. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 24+ Research Specialist jobs
NORC at the University of Chicago is seeking a qualified Data Visualization Specialist (internally called Research Methodologist I) to join the Methodology and Quantitative Social Sciences (MQSS) department and support a diverse range of research projects. At NORC, Research Methodologists are early-career researchers who work with subject matter experts, statisticians, data scientists, and other methodologists throughout the research lifecycle, including study design, data collection, data quality assessment, quantitative analysis, and dissemination of results.
Research Methodologists specializing in data visualization transform complex data into clear, actionable products for clients, policymakers, researchers, and the public. They design and develop dashboards, interactive tools, maps, reports, and other visualizations that communicate research findings and methodological insights. They apply principles of data visualization, information design, and user-centered design to ensure products are accurate, accessible, and impactful.
These staff collaborate with project teams to identify key metrics, develop analytic approaches, translate statistical findings into compelling visual narratives, and support data preparation, analysis, and quality assessment. They may work with survey, administrative, geospatial, and other data sources while contributing to reports, presentations, publications, and innovative approaches to communicating research findings. Research Methodologists are expected to manage multiple assignments, contribute to projects and proposals, stay current with emerging visualization and analytic tools, and work effectively in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment.
Include in cover letter or resume, please include two examples of static or interactive data visualizations that you have created.
Location: This is a hybrid role based in our Chicago Loop office, with a minimum of six days per month in the office.
Qualified applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S. We regret that we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position.
The Methodology and Quantitative Social Sciences department implements state-of-the-art methodologies and develops innovations to deliver reliable data and rigorous analysis to guide critical programmatic, business and policy decisions for NORC clients. The department provides leadership throughout the project lifecycle on study design, data collection, assessment of data quality, quantitative analysis, and dissemination of results.
The Methodological and Quantitative Social Sciences department also conducts its own research and is a leader in designing and implementing rigorous, efficient methods for gathering, evaluating, and analyzing data from primary and secondary sources. The department provides expertise and leads NORC strategy on the use of a broad range of methods and techniques, including research and experimental design, recruitment and retention, instrument design and testing, assessing data quality, evaluating measurement properties of new measures, causal inference methods, machine learning, analysis of clustered data, data visualization and use of novel data sources and technologies to improve data gathering. The department collaborates with the Statistics and Data Science Department on areas of synergy and intersection and with all NORC subject matter departments, in addition to leading its own projects.
- Develop data visualization products, including completing design, data preparation, and technical implementation tasks for both static and interactive visuals.
- Collaborate with team members to develop data processing and visualization code, utilizing version control best practices and implementing code review as needed.
- Provide technical advice and serve as an internal consultant on social science methodological and analytic issues to Project Directors and Task Leaders.
- Conduct quantitative and/or qualitative analyses and visualizations for projects, including writing and/or implementing programs to extract and manipulate data and conduct analysis.
- Assist with methodological and analytic tasks relevant to the project, including user interface development, user experience testing, dashboard design, and creation of static charts and report graphics.
- Perform day-to-day project activities, including executing project tasks, preparing or reviewing deliverables, monitoring task budget and schedule, resolving technical and management problems, and communicating with a client and subcontractor(s).
- Contribute to and review the methodological/analytical sections of reports, tables/graphics, presentations, dashboards, and other deliverables.
- Assist with proposal and business development activities related to methodological, analytic, data visualization, and/or study design tasks.
- Design, conduct, analyze, and prepare reports on experimental/methodological studies.
- Present research papers at professional conferences, and submit articles for publication in journals.
- Master’s degree in social science with a quantitative emphasis such as Computational Social Science, Geography, Sociology, Environmental Studies, Economics, or Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of experience performing quantitative analysis and data visualization.
- Experience with data visualization platforms such as Tableau and Power BI.
- Proficient in the data manipulation software used for statistical analysis (R, Python, or SAS).
- Experience with interactive data visualization and mapping libraries such as R Shiny, D3.js or other JavaScript data visualization libraries and HTML/CSS. (have you coded in HTML or build tools using RShiny)
- Strong foundation in areas of social science research, analytic methods, data engineering, machine learning, and scientific methods of inquiry.
- Must be detail and quality-oriented, with demonstrated written and oral communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal communication, analytic capability, technical writing, problem identification and resolution, and task management.
- Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, effectively organize and manage time, including ability to set priorities to meet all project, proposal, and administrative needs in a timely fashion.
- Enthusiasm for teamwork and collaboration across disciplinary boundaries.
PREFERRED SKILLS:
- Demonstrated ability to design and create clear and accurate visualizations of quantitative data.
- Experience in survey methodology, including sample design, weighting, and related analyses.
- Ability to develop dashboard wireframes in Figma or related software.
- Familiarity with dashboard deployment software such as Posit Connect, AWS, Docker, and Tableau Server.
- Experience with GIS Software such as ArcGIS, the sf package in R, the GeoPandas package in Python, or Leaflet.js.
- Skills in supervision, leadership, team building, time management, personal organization, and ability to set priorities to meet all project, proposal, and administrative needs in a timely fashion.
Qualified applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S. We regret that we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position.
The pay range for this position is $93,000-$100,000.
This position is classified as regular. Regular staff are eligible for NORC’s comprehensive benefits program. Benefits include, but are not limited to:
Generously subsidized health insurance, effective on the first day of employment
Dental and vision insurance
A defined contribution retirement program, along with a separate voluntary 403(b) retirement program
Group life insurance, long-term and short-term disability insurance
Benefits that promote work/life balance, including generous paid time off, holidays; paid parental leave, bereavement leave, tuition assistance, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
NORC is committed to equity and transparency in its pay practices. We publish salary ranges and benefit information for every job. The listed hiring range reflects what we, in good faith, expect to pay at the time of posting, though actual compensation may vary and may be adjusted over time. A candidate’s placement within the range depends on factors such as competencies, education, qualifications, experience, skills, performance, and organizational needs.
NORC at the University of Chicago is an objective, non-partisan research institution that delivers reliable data and rigorous analysis to guide critical programmatic, business, and policy decisions. Since 1941, our teams have conducted groundbreaking studies, created and applied innovative methods and tools, and advanced principles of scientific integrity and collaboration. Today, government, corporate, and nonprofit clients around the world partner with us to transform increasingly complex information into useful knowledge.
For over 80 years, NORC has evolved in many ways, moving the needle with research methods, technical applications and groundbreaking research findings. But our tradition of excellence, passion for innovation, and commitment to collegiality have remained constant components of who we are as a brand, and who each of us is as a member of the NORC team. With world-class benefits, a business casual environment, and an emphasis on continuous learning, NORC is a place where people join for the stellar research and analysis work for which we’re known, and stay for the relationships they form with their colleagues who take pride in the impact their work is making on a global scale.
NORC is an equal opportunity employer. NORC evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, sexual orientation, and other legally protected characteristics.
#LI-MS1
NORC at the University of Chicago is seeking a qualified Data Visualization Specialist (internally called Research Methodologist I) to join the Methodology and Quantitative Social Sciences (MQSS) department and support a diverse range of research projects. At NORC, Research Methodologists are early-career researchers who work with subject matter experts, statisticians, data scientists, and other methodologists throughout the research lifecycle, including study design, data collection, data quality assessment, quantitative analysis, and dissemination of results.
Research Methodologists specializing in data visualization transform complex data into clear, actionable products for clients, policymakers, researchers, and the public. They design and develop dashboards, interactive tools, maps, reports, and other visualizations that communicate research findings and methodological insights. They apply principles of data visualization, information design, and user-centered design to ensure products are accurate, accessible, and impactful.
These staff collaborate with project teams to identify key metrics, develop analytic approaches, translate statistical findings into compelling visual narratives, and support data preparation, analysis, and quality assessment. They may work with survey, administrative, geospatial, and other data sources while contributing to reports, presentations, publications, and innovative approaches to communicating research findings. Research Methodologists are expected to manage multiple assignments, contribute to projects and proposals, stay current with emerging visualization and analytic tools, and work effectively in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment.
Include in cover letter or resume, please include two examples of static or interactive data visualizations that you have created.
Location: This is a hybrid role based in our Chicago Loop office, with a minimum of six days per month in the office.
Qualified applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S. We regret that we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position.
The Methodology and Quantitative Social Sciences department implements state-of-the-art methodologies and develops innovations to deliver reliable data and rigorous analysis to guide critical programmatic, business and policy decisions for NORC clients. The department provides leadership throughout the project lifecycle on study design, data collection, assessment of data quality, quantitative analysis, and dissemination of results.
The Methodological and Quantitative Social Sciences department also conducts its own research and is a leader in designing and implementing rigorous, efficient methods for gathering, evaluating, and analyzing data from primary and secondary sources. The department provides expertise and leads NORC strategy on the use of a broad range of methods and techniques, including research and experimental design, recruitment and retention, instrument design and testing, assessing data quality, evaluating measurement properties of new measures, causal inference methods, machine learning, analysis of clustered data, data visualization and use of novel data sources and technologies to improve data gathering. The department collaborates with the Statistics and Data Science Department on areas of synergy and intersection and with all NORC subject matter departments, in addition to leading its own projects.
- Develop data visualization products, including completing design, data preparation, and technical implementation tasks for both static and interactive visuals.
- Collaborate with team members to develop data processing and visualization code, utilizing version control best practices and implementing code review as needed.
- Provide technical advice and serve as an internal consultant on social science methodological and analytic issues to Project Directors and Task Leaders.
- Conduct quantitative and/or qualitative analyses and visualizations for projects, including writing and/or implementing programs to extract and manipulate data and conduct analysis.
- Assist with methodological and analytic tasks relevant to the project, including user interface development, user experience testing, dashboard design, and creation of static charts and report graphics.
- Perform day-to-day project activities, including executing project tasks, preparing or reviewing deliverables, monitoring task budget and schedule, resolving technical and management problems, and communicating with a client and subcontractor(s).
- Contribute to and review the methodological/analytical sections of reports, tables/graphics, presentations, dashboards, and other deliverables.
- Assist with proposal and business development activities related to methodological, analytic, data visualization, and/or study design tasks.
- Design, conduct, analyze, and prepare reports on experimental/methodological studies.
- Present research papers at professional conferences, and submit articles for publication in journals.
- Master’s degree in social science with a quantitative emphasis such as Computational Social Science, Geography, Sociology, Environmental Studies, Economics, or Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of experience performing quantitative analysis and data visualization.
- Experience with data visualization platforms such as Tableau and Power BI.
- Proficient in the data manipulation software used for statistical analysis (R, Python, or SAS).
- Experience with interactive data visualization and mapping libraries such as R Shiny, D3.js or other JavaScript data visualization libraries and HTML/CSS. (have you coded in HTML or build tools using RShiny)
- Strong foundation in areas of social science research, analytic methods, data engineering, machine learning, and scientific methods of inquiry.
- Must be detail and quality-oriented, with demonstrated written and oral communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal communication, analytic capability, technical writing, problem identification and resolution, and task management.
- Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, effectively organize and manage time, including ability to set priorities to meet all project, proposal, and administrative needs in a timely fashion.
- Enthusiasm for teamwork and collaboration across disciplinary boundaries.
PREFERRED SKILLS:
- Demonstrated ability to design and create clear and accurate visualizations of quantitative data.
- Experience in survey methodology, including sample design, weighting, and related analyses.
- Ability to develop dashboard wireframes in Figma or related software.
- Familiarity with dashboard deployment software such as Posit Connect, AWS, Docker, and Tableau Server.
- Experience with GIS Software such as ArcGIS, the sf package in R, the GeoPandas package in Python, or Leaflet.js.
- Skills in supervision, leadership, team building, time management, personal organization, and ability to set priorities to meet all project, proposal, and administrative needs in a timely fashion.
Qualified applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S. We regret that we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position.
The pay range for this position is $93,000-$100,000.
This position is classified as regular. Regular staff are eligible for NORC’s comprehensive benefits program. Benefits include, but are not limited to:
Generously subsidized health insurance, effective on the first day of employment
Dental and vision insurance
A defined contribution retirement program, along with a separate voluntary 403(b) retirement program
Group life insurance, long-term and short-term disability insurance
Benefits that promote work/life balance, including generous paid time off, holidays; paid parental leave, bereavement leave, tuition assistance, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
NORC is committed to equity and transparency in its pay practices. We publish salary ranges and benefit information for every job. The listed hiring range reflects what we, in good faith, expect to pay at the time of posting, though actual compensation may vary and may be adjusted over time. A candidate’s placement within the range depends on factors such as competencies, education, qualifications, experience, skills, performance, and organizational needs.
NORC at the University of Chicago is an objective, non-partisan research institution that delivers reliable data and rigorous analysis to guide critical programmatic, business, and policy decisions. Since 1941, our teams have conducted groundbreaking studies, created and applied innovative methods and tools, and advanced principles of scientific integrity and collaboration. Today, government, corporate, and nonprofit clients around the world partner with us to transform increasingly complex information into useful knowledge.
For over 80 years, NORC has evolved in many ways, moving the needle with research methods, technical applications and groundbreaking research findings. But our tradition of excellence, passion for innovation, and commitment to collegiality have remained constant components of who we are as a brand, and who each of us is as a member of the NORC team. With world-class benefits, a business casual environment, and an emphasis on continuous learning, NORC is a place where people join for the stellar research and analysis work for which we’re known, and stay for the relationships they form with their colleagues who take pride in the impact their work is making on a global scale.
NORC is an equal opportunity employer. NORC evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, sexual orientation, and other legally protected characteristics.
#LI-MS1
See All 24 Research Specialist Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Specialist JobsResearch Specialist Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Specialist Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Investment & Asset Management
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research specialist jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, social science, or public health
- Experience designing and executing research protocols in an academic or industry setting
- Proficiency with statistical analysis software such as SPSS, SAS, R, or Stata
- Strong written communication skills for preparing reports, manuscripts, and grant documentation
- Familiarity with IRB submission processes and human subjects research compliance
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent research projects and meet deadlines
Research Specialist Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research specialist in Illinois?
Most Illinois research specialist roles require at minimum a bachelor's degree in a field aligned with the research area, such as biology, psychology, public health, or social sciences, and many positions at universities and medical institutions prefer a master's degree. Illinois does not issue a general state license for research specialists, but clinical research roles often require or strongly prefer certification through the Association of Clinical Research Professionals. Building experience through university lab positions, research assistant roles at Illinois academic medical centers, or internships at policy institutes is the most common entry path.
Which companies hire research specialists in Illinois?
Employers hiring research specialists in Illinois right now include University of Illinois, University of Chicago, and Rush University Medical Center, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Illinois's concentration of major research universities, large hospital systems, and global pharmaceutical and technology companies means demand is distributed across multiple industries rather than centered in a single sector.
Which Illinois cities have the most research specialist jobs?
Chicago, Urbana, and Decatur have the most research specialist openings in Illinois. Chicago dominates by volume given its density of academic medical centers, corporate headquarters, and policy organizations, while Evanston and other North Shore communities generate openings tied to Northwestern University and its affiliated research programs, and Rockford sees demand from regional healthcare and manufacturing research operations.
Are there remote research specialist jobs in Illinois?
Yes, and more than most fields, because a meaningful portion of research specialist work involves literature review, data analysis, report writing, and project coordination that can be done remotely. About 40% of research specialist openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting the desk-based and analytical nature of many of these roles. Positions involving laboratory work, patient interaction, or hands-on data collection are almost always on-site.
How can I get hired as a research specialist in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a research assistant or research coordinator position at one of Illinois's large academic or healthcare institutions, such as the University of Illinois system, Rush University Medical Center, or Argonne National Laboratory, which regularly bring on candidates without full specialist experience. Illinois universities also post undergraduate and post-baccalaureate research opportunities that serve as direct pipelines. Moving laterally from a data analyst, laboratory technician, or program coordinator role is another well-established route. Earning an ACRP certificate strengthens applications significantly for clinical research openings.
Where can I find and apply to research specialist jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to research specialist jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings across industries and experience levels. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly.
See All 24 Research Specialist Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Specialist Jobs