Community Justice Researcher - Youth, Violence Prevention, and Community Justice Program

Job Description

The Youth, Violence Prevention, and Community Justice Program in the Division for Applied Justice Research at RTI International is searching for a Community Justice Researcher to win, lead, and manage complex research and evaluation projects. The Program is specifically interested in candidates with specialized knowledge and research experience in the area of community justice research (e.g., restorative justice, race and health equity research in resource poor communities, health and wellness of heavily policed communities). Additional areas of specialization include experience or familiarity with evaluation designs, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), the qualitative and quantitative analysis of codified and non-codified laws and policies, and quantitative analyses. The Division for Applied Justice Research focuses on strategies to prevent and respond to crime and victimization, and to seek effective, efficient and fair criminal and civil justice solutions that promote community safety and wellness. Our work includes multidisciplinary approaches to understand the policy and protective factors that support the optimal development of youth and community members and to identify and reduce behavioral, institutional, and structural risk factors associated with delinquency, crime, and involvement with the justice system. Experts in the Division conduct high quality, rigorous research, evaluation, training, and technical assistance designed to translate study findings into impactful, actionable strategies for communities and justice systems, both domestically and internationally. The preferred location for this position is either Research Triangle Park, NC, Waltham, MA, Chicago, IL, or Washington, DC. Other locations may be considered. Research responsibilities to include, but not be limited to:

• Demonstrate thought leadership in community justice research (e.g. restorative justice, race and health equity research in resource poor communities, health and wellness of heavily policed communities) that translate to business development activities including meetings with prospective clients
• Assist with, lead, and win grant and contract proposals
• Design research studies, analyze and interpret quantitative and qualitative data
• Develop and manage project/study budgets
• Write technical reports for government and other clients
• Write articles for submission to peer-reviewed journals
• Present research results to practitioners, government officials, and other professional audiences
• Understand the interplay of research, policy, and practitioner issues related to area(s) of specialization
• Disseminate research findings in innovative ways using practitioner research briefs, infographics, dashboards, or other mediums

Project Administrative responsibilities to include, but not be limited to:

• Fulfill all work-related obligations
• Track and be responsible for project progress, deliverables, timelines, and budgets
• Document time spent on multiple activities
• Attend and participate in project/study and unit meetings
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and to work independently
• Strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to work successfully in multidisciplinary teams and with community partners (as applicable)

Candidates with exposure to the criminal justice system are encouraged to apply.
Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD in psychology, public health, criminology, public policy, social justice, sociology, statistics, or a related field with a minimum of 5 years of post-doctoral research experience
• Specialized knowledge and research experience in the area of community/social justice research (e.g., restorative justice, race and health equity research in resource poor or tribal communities, and health and wellness of heavily policed communities)
• Experience or familiarity with evaluation designs, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), the qualitative and quantitative analysis of codified and non-codified laws and policies, and/or quantitative analyses
• Demonstrated success in securing and leading grant and contract proposals
• Strong quantitative and qualitative research skills
• Experience with at least one of the following software programs: SPSS, SAS, R, Stata, or NVivo
• Demonstrated scientific stature in peer-reviewed publications
• Experience managing project/study budgets
• Ability to successfully mentor and lead research staff
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and to work independently
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work successfully in multidisciplinary teams and with community partners (as applicable)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience disseminating research findings in innovative ways including using practitioner research briefs, infographics, dashboards, or other mediums