Temporary Computer Science Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

Department
SSD: Economics - Staff and Temporary Employees
About the Department
For over a century, the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics has been recognized as one of the world's leading centers for economic research and education. The Department's faculty have received numerous awards, including more Nobel Prize laureates and John Bates Clark medalists in economics than any other university. Among our faculty are many members of the National Academy of Sciences, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the Econometric Society.
Job Information
Job Summary:
The University of Chicago is seeking a highly organized and motivated Temporary Research Project Coordinator to oversee a large-scale field experiment studying labor market discrimination. This position combines project management, technical operations, and research administration in support of a multi-year academic research project. The role is well suited for candidates early in their careers, including recent master's graduates who have demonstrated strong organizational, technical, or project management skills. Candidates with additional relevant experience are also encouraged to apply.
Directly reporting to Professor Evan Rose, the successful candidate will coordinate external vendors, manage complex project workflows, oversee the development and operation of custom software systems, and ensure the successful implementation of a large-scale research study. This is an ideal position for someone who enjoys solving organizational and technical problems, thrives in fast-paced environments, and is excited by the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge social science research.
This temporary position offers the opportunity to build valuable experience in research administration. Depending on departmental needs, available funding, and performance, qualified candidates may be considered for future employment opportunities at the University of Chicago.
Responsibilities:

• Lead the day-to-day management of a large, complex field experiment involving multiple parallel workstreams.
• Coordinate and manage relationships with external vendors, contractors, and research partners.
• Develop project plans, implementation timelines, and systems to track milestones, deliverables, and project progress.
• Oversee the development, testing, deployment, and maintenance of custom software and research infrastructure used to conduct the experiment.
• Serve as the primary administrator and day-to-day operator of project software, ensuring research systems function reliably and efficiently.
• Configure, maintain, troubleshoot, and improve software tools used to support study implementation, participant management, data collection, and quality assurance.
• Develop and maintain documentation for software systems, research protocols, and operational workflows.
• Monitor project progress and proactively identify and resolve operational, technical, and logistical challenges.
• Coordinate research activities to ensure adherence to study protocols and high standards of data quality.
• Organize meetings, track action items, and communicate project status, risks, and priorities to the research team.
• Identify opportunities to improve project efficiency through better processes, automation, and technology.
• Other related tasks.

Competencies:

• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex tasks simultaneously while maintaining careful attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Work independently, prioritize competing demands, and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated initiative and a proactive approach to identifying and resolving problems.
• Balance strategic planning with day-to-day operational execution.
• Adaptability and willingness to learn new technologies and processes.
• Work effectively in an interdisciplinary environment that combines research, technology, and project management.
• Commitment to developing efficient systems and processes that support high-quality research.

Additional Responsibilities
Education, Experience, or Certifications:
Education:

• College or university degree required.
• Master's degree in economics, computer science, data science, statistics, public policy, information systems, engineering, or a related field; or a bachelor's degree with substantial relevant professional experience preferred.

Experience:

• ≤ 2 years of experience required.
• 2 - 5 years of relevant professional experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple priorities, projects, or operational responsibilities in a professional environment required.
• Background in computer science, software engineering, data science, computational social science, or a similar technical field preferred.
• Managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders preferred.
• Working closely with software developers or managing software development projects preferred.
• Administering or troubleshooting software systems in a production environment preferred.
• Background with software testing, debugging, or quality assurance preferred.
• Prior experience supporting academic research, randomized controlled trials, audit studies, or other large-scale research projects preferred.
• Managing external vendors or contractor relationships preferred.

Technical Knowledge or Skills:

• Demonstrated technical aptitude and the ability to quickly learn new software systems and technologies required.
• Familiarity with Python, SQL, Git, APIs, cloud computing platforms, and modern software development workflows preferred.
• Familiarity with databases, survey platforms, automated data collection systems, and other research technologies preferred.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Hybrid schedule of in-person and work from home days.
• Part-time, temporary position.

Required Documents:

• Resume/CV
• References Contact Information, email and telephone number

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Temporary Staff
Scheduled Weekly Hours
30
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Frequency
Hourly
Pay Rate Type
Hourly
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt
Pay Range
$25.00 - $37.00
The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
This position is not eligible for benefits.
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.