Research Assistant (Justice Policy Center)

Urban Institute•Washington, DC

6d•$52,520 - $65,650•Hybrid

About The Position

The Justice Policy Center (JPC) conducts objective, interdisciplinary research and policy analysis across issues including community safety, policing, courts, corrections, reentry, violence prevention, victimization, youth justice, and system reform. JPC seeks a Research Assistant to support research, evaluation, and technical assistance projects focused on promoting safe communities and an equitable and effective criminal legal system.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or associate’s degree with equivalent experience required, preferably in public policy, criminology, sociology, economics, statistics, political science, psychology, public health, data science, or a related field.
Demonstrate a developed interest in one or more topics in justice and public safety policy.
Exhibit strong research, analytical and problem-solving skills, including prior experience conducting quantitative and/or qualitative research through coursework, internships, research assistantships, or professional experience
Have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrate ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment while managing multiple priorities.
Have strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Nice To Haves

Individuals with lived experience related to the criminal legal system and applicants from communities disproportionately affected by criminal justice involvement are strongly encouraged to apply.
Candidates who can follow a hybrid work schedule are strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Conduct literature reviews and background research on the criminal legal system, public safety, and justice and safety-related topics.
Collect, clean, manage, and analyze quantitative and/or qualitative data.
Support data collection activities, including surveys, interviews, focus groups, site visits, and/or administrative data projects.
Assist with statistical analyses using software such as Stata, R, Python, SAS, or other analytical tools.
Draft sections of reports, research briefs, memos, presentations, blog posts, and other dissemination products.
Develop tables, figures, data visualizations, and descriptive summaries of findings.
Participate in project meetings and support project coordination, scheduling, note-taking, and tracking deliverables.
Contribute to proposal development environmental scans, and other business development activities.
Support the translation of research findings for policymakers, practitioners, community stakeholders, and public audiences.
Collaborate effectively with colleagues across disciplines and project teams.

Benefits

Generous paid time off
Nine federal holidays
Medical (including prescription) insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Transit benefits
403(b) retirement plan participation immediately
Generous employer contribution to 403(b) after six months of service and 500 hours, with immediate vesting
Health advocate
Personal finance coaching
Employee Assistance Program
Educational assistance for undergraduate and graduate degree programs