Research Scientist

University of Houston; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 81,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

The Research Scientist at University of Houston-C-CURE leads investigations and analytical work on crime, urban issues, and public safety, designing and disseminating applied research to inform policy and practice.

Working with faculty, students, government agencies, nonprofits, and community partners, the role advances the Center's research agenda, supports externally funded initiatives, and helps address major community challenges through evidence-based solutions.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in Criminal/forensic psychology or related field.
• Minimum of three years post-doctoral research experience with publications.
• Experience in grant writing and program evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Lead quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research projects on crime, justice, urban issues, and public policy.
• Collect, manage, analyze, and interpret complex datasets to support evidence-based decision-making.

Skills

Statistical analysis

Statistical software

Data visualization

Technical writing

Public speaking

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Doctoral degree in Criminal/forensic psychology, applied criminology, policing

Job description

Department:Academic AffairsSalary:$80,937 - $99,147

Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Research Scientist serves as a lead investigator and analytical expert within the Center for Crime, Urban Research, & Education (C-CURE). The position designs, conducts, and disseminates applied research focused on crime, public safety, urban issues, and related policy concerns. The role leads complex research and evaluation projects, analyzes and interprets quantitative and qualitative data, and develops reports, publications, and other products that inform policy, practice, and community decision-making. Working collaboratively with faculty, students, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community partners, the Research Scientist advances the Center's research agenda, supports externally funded initiatives, and contributes to evidence-based solutions that address pressing community challenges.

DUTIES

• Designs, develops, and leads quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research projects related to crime, justice, urban issues, community development, and public policy, ensuring alignment with C-CURE's research goals and strategic priorities.
• Collects, manages, analyzes, and interprets complex datasets using appropriate statistical, analytical, and research methodologies to support evidence-based decision-making and research outcomes.
• Prepares research reports, policy briefs, technical documents, scholarly publications, presentations, and other dissemination materials for academic, practitioner, policymaker, and public audiences.
• Supervises and mentors graduate assistants, student researchers, interns, and project staff by providing guidance, assigning work, monitoring progress, and supporting professional development and research activities.
• Develops grant proposals and participates in external funding activities, including project design, budget development, proposal preparation, and compliance with reporting requirements.
• Collaborates with faculty, students, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, community organizations, and other stakeholders on research initiatives, program evaluations, and applied research projects.
• Supports strategic planning, partnership development, and special initiatives that advance the mission, visibility, growth, and long-term objectives of C-CURE.

MARGINAL DUTIES

• Perform other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge

• Research design and methodology.
• Quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques.
• Statistical modeling and program evaluation methods.
• Criminal justice systems, public policy, and urban issues.
• Research ethics, human subjects protections, and data governance.
• Grant development and sponsored project administration.

Skills

• Advanced statistical and analytical skills.
• Proficiency with statistical software such as R, Stata, SPSS, SAS, or Python.
• Data visualization and reporting.
• Technical and scholarly writing.
• Public speaking and presentation development.
• Project management and organizational skills.
• Relationship building and stakeholder engagement.

Abilities

• Design and implement complex research studies independently.
• Translate technical findings into actionable recommendations for diverse audiences.
• Manage competing priorities and meet project deadlines.
• Exercise sound judgment in handling confidential and sensitive information.
• Work collaboratively across disciplines and organizations.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop student and staff researchers.

WORK LOCATION AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Primary Work Location

• Primarily office-based, with periodic work conducted in community criminal justice settings as necessary to support program and partnership activities.

Physical Demands

• Work is performed in a typical interior work environment.
• Individual has discretion in relation to walking, standing etc., and has minimal exposure to physical risks.
• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education

• Doctoral degree or equivalent in Criminal/forensic psychology, applied criminology, policing.

Required Experience

• Minimum of three (3) years of post-doctoral research experience, publication record, grant writing experience, program evaluation expertise, large data set analysis, community action research.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Record of at least 5 peer-reviewed publications and externally funded research.
• Experience evaluating public safety, justice, education, health, housing, or community-based programs.
• Knowledge of crime analysis, spatial analysis, program evaluation, and impact assessment methodologies.
• Experience collaborating with law enforcement, local government, community organizations, or policy stakeholders.
• Demonstrated success securing grants and managing sponsored research projects.

All positions at the University of Houston-System are security sensitive and will require a criminal history check.

The University of Houston System and its universities are Equal Opportunity Institutions. Everyone is encouraged to apply.