Principal Research Associate

Westat • Bethesda, MD

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Westat is seeking a part-time Principal Research Associate who is a subject matter expert to work with other project staff on the redesign components of the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS). Extensive knowledge of the legacy and redesigned questionnaire for the NCVS is required. Specifically, this position will involve sample analysis, questionnaire design, and technical writing for data users. This position will also involve direct interaction with BJS to advise on specific issues related to the survey questionnaire. It is anticipated that you will work 15 hours per week and the duration of this work is from October 2026 through July 2, 2027. This position requires working onsite at our Bethesda, Maryland office 2 days per week.

Requirements

• A master’s degree in Survey Methodology or related field.
• 15+ years of experience to include in-depth knowledge of National Crime Victimization Survey instrument.
• Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Nice To Haves

• Previous work on NCVS Instrument Redesign and Testing Project.

Responsibilities

• Analyze the differences between the legacy (pre-2024) and the redesigned (2024 and later) questionnaire for the NCVS. This requires compiling the results from two different, complex, questionnaires, both past and forthcoming, to compare along the major dimensions and explain why differences appear between questionnaires and the reasons for the changes. Examples include looking at the differences in: the screener, definitions of force, definitions of the 32 types of crimes, definitions of self-defense, definitions of police notification.
• Advise BJS on reconciling problem cases with the new questionnaire.
• Answer questions from BJS related to the rationale for making specific changes in the redesigned questionnaire from looking at differences between past and forthcoming versions of the questionnaires.
• Writing technical documentation for users of NCVS data for purposes of statistical analyses.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Principal