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Political Data Science Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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... data science, research design, and translational research. Reporting to and partnering directly ... political candidates, organizational climate surveys, and more. Survey analysis is our most ...

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... data science, research design, and translational research. Reporting to and partnering directly ... political candidates, organizational climate surveys, and more. Survey analysis is our most ...

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Data Scientist I

Chicago, IL · On-site

$95K - $113K/yr

Chief Technology Officer (CTO) About Tavern Research Tavern Research is a political tech startup ... As a member of the Data Science team, your role is to help make this work possible. You'll dive ...

Senior Data Scientist

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$103K - $172K/yr

D. in a Quantitative field such as Statistics, Mathematics, Data Science, Applied Analytics or in a Social Science with a quantitative focus such as Economics, Political Science, Psychology or ...

Senior Data Scientist

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$103K - $172K/yr

D. in a Quantitative field such as Statistics, Mathematics, Data Science, Applied Analytics or in a Social Science with a quantitative focus such as Economics, Political Science, Psychology or ...

Senior Data Scientist

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$103K - $172K/yr

D. in a Quantitative field such as Statistics, Mathematics, Data Science, Applied Analytics or in a Social Science with a quantitative focus such as Economics, Political Science, Psychology or ...

Data Scientist II

Chicago, IL · On-site

$150K - $179K/yr

Data Scientist II Location: Chicago, IL Office: 3 days/week in South Loop office Reports to ... Chief Technology Officer (CTO) About Tavern Research Tavern Research is a political tech startup ...

Political Reporter

Chicago, IL · On-site

$60 - $72/hr

Use data, public records, and research tools to uncover impactful stories * Engage with viewers ... Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, Political Science, or related field * 3-5+ years ...

Political Reporter

Chicago, IL · On-site

$60 - $72/hr

Use data, public records, and research tools to uncover impactful stories * Engage with viewers ... Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, Political Science, or related field * 3-5+ years ...

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Showing results 1-20

Political Data Science information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$47.4K

$170K

$250.8K

How much do political data science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for political data science in Chicago, IL is $169,993.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $137,500.00 and $175,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in political data science, and why are they important?

To thrive in Political Data Science, you need expertise in statistics, quantitative research methods, and programming (such as Python or R), often supported by a degree in data science, political science, or a related field. Familiarity with data visualization tools like Tableau, statistical software, and experience with databases and big data platforms are typically important, and certifications in data analytics can be an asset. Strong analytical thinking, collaboration, and effective communication skills help you explain complex findings to non-technical stakeholders. These abilities are crucial for providing actionable insights that influence strategic decisions in political campaigns, policy analysis, or governmental organizations.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a political data science professional?

Political Data Science professionals typically spend their days collecting and cleaning large datasets related to voter behavior, public opinion, or legislative trends, and developing statistical models to interpret this information. They collaborate closely with campaign strategists, policy analysts, and communication teams to translate data-driven findings into actionable strategies. Presenting results through visualizations and clear reports is a key part of the job, ensuring that technical insights can influence decisions. The work often involves managing multiple projects simultaneously and adapting quickly to the fast-paced environment of politics and public policy.

What is a political data science?

A Political Data Science job involves analyzing political data to uncover trends, inform policy decisions, and support political campaigns or organizations. Professionals in this field use statistical modeling, machine learning, and data visualization to interpret voter behavior, public opinion, and legislative patterns. They often work with large datasets from surveys, elections, and social media to provide data-driven insights.

What are the most commonly searched types of Political Data Science jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Political Data Science jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Political Data Science jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Political Data Science jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Political Data Science jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Political Data Science job openings:
Infographic showing various Political Data Science job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 73% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 6% Temporary. Highlights an 72% In-person, 12% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $169,993 per year, or $81.7 per hour.

Data Scientist / Applied Social Science Researcher

2040 Strategy Group

Evanston, IL • Remote

$75 - $100/hr

Part-time

Posted yesterday

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Job description



The Position

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, attractive data visualizations

•     Design and execute research projects using internal client data

•     Communicate complex—and sometimes ambiguous—quantitative results to audiences with varying levels of statistical fluency


Required Qualifications

•     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, including productive collaboration with our team, clients, and external partners

•     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


Preferred Qualifications

•     Working knowledge of other analysis tools (Python, SQL, Excel, GIS)

•     Experience building advanced interactive data visualizations (e.g., dashboards, web-based interfaces)

•     Experience in political campaign analytics


Compensation

We are a small consulting firm whose operating budget comes entirely from project revenues. This position will begin on a project-by-project basis, with an expected workload of 30–60 hours per month depending on the project cycle. Compensation is $75–$100 per hour, based on relevant experience and qualifications.

Company Description

About Us
2040 Strategy Group is a boutique consulting firm led by PhD social scientists. We help organizations navigate an era of disruptive social change with evidence-based guidance grounded in rigorous social science. Our work spans sectors and formats: organizational strategy built on internal climate surveys, messaging guidance informed by polling and focus groups, and original analysis of client data. No two clients’ needs are alike, so every engagement is tailored—and every one is held to the highest standard of scientific rigor.