Research Assistant (Justice Policy Center)

Urban Institute; Institute (NC); Hybrid; USD 53,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Transit benefits

Paid time off

Education assistance

Job summary

Urban Institute’s Justice Policy Center seeks a Research Assistant to support research, evaluation, and technical assistance across safety, justice, and reform topics. The role involves literature reviews, data collection and analysis, and producing dissemination materials.

The position emphasizes collaboration, rigorous analysis, and translating findings for policymakers and stakeholders, with a hybrid work arrangement preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or associate’s degree required or equivalent experience in public policy, criminology, sociology, economics, statistics, political science, psychology, public health, data science, or related field.
• Demonstrate interest in justice and public safety policy.
• Strong research, analytical and problem‑solving skills with experience in quantitative and/or qualitative research.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team while managing multiple priorities.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Conduct literature reviews and background research on the criminal legal system, public safety, and justice topics.
• Collect, clean, manage, and analyze quantitative and/or qualitative data.
• Support data collection activities, including surveys, interviews, focus groups, site visits, and administrative data projects.
• Assist with statistical analyses using software such as Stata, R, Python, SAS, or other tools.
• Draft sections of reports, 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 coordination, scheduling, note-taking, and tracking deliverables.
• Contribute to proposal development environmental scans and other business development activities.
• Support translation of findings for policymakers, practitioners, and public audiences.
• Collaborate across disciplines and project teams.

Skills

Research

Data analysis

Written communication

Collaboration

Organization

Education

Bachelor’s or associate degree in relevant field

Tools

Stata

R

Python

SAS

Job description

About Urban Institute

At the Urban Institute, we believe in the power of evidence to improve lives and strengthen communities. As a nonprofit focusing on social and economic policy, our researchers and policy entrepreneurs open minds, shape decisions, and identify transformative solutions to the most pressing issues of our time.

Our Mission

To open minds, shape decisions, and offer solutions through economic and social policy research.

Our Values

Collaboration, Equity, Inclusivity, Independence, and Integrity. For more information on the Urban Institute, please visit https://www.urban.org.

The Opportunity

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.

What You’ll Do

Responsibilities include:

• 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.

Who You Are

The successful candidate will possess:

• 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.

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.

Note: Candidates who can follow a hybrid work schedule are strongly preferred

What You’ll Experience

No matter your role with Urban, you will contribute to meaningful work that makes a difference for people and communities across the country. We are committed to working in a manner defined by our mission and values.

Urban’s greatest asset is our people.

The target salary range for this position is Min $52,520 - Mid $59,085- Max $65,650 and the current median $55,336.33. Salary offered is commensurate with experience and considers internal equity. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Salaries are just one component of Urban Institute’s total compensation package. Urban is committed to supporting our staff’s physical, emotional, and financial well-being through a robust benefits package for yourself, eligible dependents, and domestic partners. It includes generous paid time off, including nine federal holidays, medical (including prescription), dental and vision insurance, and transit benefits. Urban is unique in that we offer 403(b) retirement plan participation immediately after you’re hired and a generous employer contribution after six months of service and 500 hours, with immediate vesting. You’ll also have access to a health advocate, personal finance coaching, an Employee Assistance Program, and educational assistance for undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

The Urban Institute has formally recognized the Urban Institute Employees’ Union, which is part of the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU). Urban management and the Union work together in good faith and are motivated by a shared commitment to this institution. This position is included in the Union-represented collective bargaining unit, and specific employment terms and conditions are subject to collective bargaining negotiations.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the people assigned. This posting is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and requirements. Urban management reserves the right to amend and change duties, responsibilities, and requirements to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.

The Urban Institute is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender or gender identity, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, veteran status, pregnancy or family responsibilities, matriculation, disability, political affiliation, or any other protected status under applicable law. The Urban Institute is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer Minorities/Women/Disabilities/Veterans.

We are committed to equal employment opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. If you have a physical and/or mental disability and are interested in applying for employment and need special accommodations to use our website to apply for a position, please contact Human Resources at [e-mail]. Reasonable accommodation requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.