Senior Research Associate

Senior Research Associate

The National Policing Institute (NPI), voted one of Nonprofit Times’ Best Nonprofits to Work For in 2022 and 2023, is a non-partisan 501(c)(3) committed to improving policing through science and innovation since 1973. NPI’s work is informed by evidence to increase public safety and strengthen communities. The professional staff of NPI works closely with law enforcement and industry experts to develop research, comprehensive reports, model policies, and innovative programs that advance the profession. Additionally, NPI facilitates on-the-ground technical assistance to police and sheriff’s agencies, as well as engages with practitioners from multiple public systems in local, state, and federal jurisdictions to share research and implement policy and practice.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The National Policing Institute is looking for a full-time Senior Research Associate (SRA) who will be responsible for research and program evaluation activities including day-to-day project management, research design and implementation, data collection and management, statistical analysis and interpretation, and the preparation of written deliverables. This person will regularly collaborate with strategic partners, providing project coordination for both on-site and off-site work as directed. The SRA will participate in project-related meetings, initiating meetings when appropriate, and attend project-related site visits. The SRA will work with project teams that include staff, consultants, law enforcement partners, funders, and other NPI stakeholders.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Commensurate with experience, serve as the Principal Investigator or Co-Principal Investigator on assigned research projects or lead components of larger projects under the direction of a principal researcher.
• Provide comprehensive project management, including coordinating day-to-day logistics, monitoring timelines, preparing progress reports, and completing deliverables to ensure responsibilities to funders are met.
• Maintain positive working relationships and open communication with external partners, funding agencies, and other project stakeholders.
• Identify implementation barriers and collaborate with project stakeholders to develop solutions.
• Design research studies, including methodologies and plans for analysis. Conduct research with internal and external stakeholders.
• Gather, review, and summarize research for literature reviews.
• Develop research protocols for approval by the Institutional Review Board (IRB).
• Lead data collection and management for statistical analyses following ethical and scientific principles to ensure compliance with NPI protocols and IRB requirements.
• Lead the development of codebooks, coding schemes, and other technical resource documents.
• Lead quantitative data analysis using SPSS, STATA, R, or similar statistical software.
• Lead qualitative data collection and analysis.
• Oversee the planning and development of written products, including policy briefs, research memos, manuscripts for professional journals, reports to sponsoring funders or partner agencies, and presentations, among others. Synthesize and translate research findings for various professional, practitioner, and public audiences.
• Contribute to the development of grant proposals and concept papers, strategically plan for project recompetes and supplemental funding, and serve as a resource to funding agencies.
• Represent the NPI and deliver presentations on behalf of the organization at national industry events, conferences, and meetings when appropriate.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Travel is required.

DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Commitment to advancing the National Policing Institute’s mission, goals, values, and programs, with a strong understanding of criminal justice issues and their implications.
• Excellent research and analytical skills.
• Advanced technical and scientific writing skills.
• Understanding of experimental and quasi-experimental design and analysis, survey methodology, and qualitative methods.
• Familiarity with police administrative data and crime data.
• Experience presenting data, analysis, and findings to external audiences via oral, visual, and written communication.
• Ability to understand/interpret data and translate and present it to non-scientific audiences.
• Knowledge of Institutional Review Board (IRB) protocol and Human Subjects Protections
• Familiarity with Microsoft suite products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Must be able to work independently and be a strong team player with excellent interpersonal skills who can work effectively and proactively with a range of National Policing Institute staff, partners, and “customers.”
• Strong project management and time management skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple and often competing deadlines and tasks.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

The equivalent of 5-7 years of professional research experience and an advanced degree or Ph.D. in social sciences or related fields. Bi-lingual capabilities are encouraged. The minimum requirements can be satisfied at management’s discretion by other factors (e.g., education, professional certifications, language skills, analytical skills, computer skills, writing skills, etc.)

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

• This is a full-time position and is eligible for remote work.
• Salary is commensurate with experience and includes a competitive benefits package.
• Open until filled. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Must agree to a background investigation and must be authorized to work in the United States

The National Policing Institute is an Equal Employment Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.