Senior Research Assistant

The Research Associate is responsible for designing, managing, and conducting a variety of research projects on topics at the intersection of criminal justice and drug policy, with a specific focus on cannabis policy and reform. This position is responsible for creating project plans for each research project, and upon approval of topic from Center Director, producing all necessary materials for institutional research board approval, conducting the necessary research and producing a final research deliverable, whether that is a data policy resource or research report.

The Research Associate is tasked with attaining large data sets from a variety of government organizations and using these data sets to run analyses as required by each individual project under their purview. In additional to quantitative tasks, the Research Associate will often direct qualitative data collection and will be responsible for analyzing resulting data.

The Research Associate will be responsible for representing the Drug Enforcement and Policy Center’s research in public venues, such as Center events, invited talks, and media appearances.

The Research Associate will also be responsible for leading grant writing efforts for appropriate calls for funding and will take an active role in reviewing external research proposals submitted to the Center for funding.

Essential Functions:

• Design, manage and conduct a variety of research projects across the center’s strategic research priorities.

• Track state and national drug policy reforms and create data analysis pages and reports accordingly.

• Produce research and policy reports, as well as internal documents, including the development of conclusions and policy & practice recommendations.

• Continue to acquire new technical skills as technological capabilities of AI and mapping/statistical software advances.

• Work on grant applications for research projects and collaborations. Work with Center staff to acquire additional funding.

Required Qualifications: Master's Degree in a Social Science field plus 4 years of relevant experience OR PhD plus 2 years of experience. In-depth knowledge of current drug policy landscape and strong quantitative and qualitative skills are also required.

Desired Qualifications: Successful individuals will have strong written and oral communication skills, and demonstrated ability with statistical and policy analysis.

This position is a one-year term, with the possibility for renewal; dependent upon available funding and job performance.

The salary range is $53,800 - $71,700, to be determined by the candidate's level of education, years of experience, and internal equity.