Research Scientist, UVA Center for Public Safety and Justice

University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); Remote; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a dedicated Research Scientist to join a vibrant team focused on public safety and justice. This full-time role involves conducting impactful research on law enforcement practices, analyzing data, and presenting findings to diverse audiences. The ideal candidate will possess a doctoral degree and strong analytical skills, with a commitment to continuous improvement. This position offers a competitive salary and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that enhance community safety. If you are passionate about research and want to make a difference, this role is for you.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Retirement Plan

Flexible Work Hours

Professional Development Opportunities

Qualifications

• Requires a doctoral degree and strong research skills.
• Experience with risk management or criminal justice research preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on risk mitigation associated with law enforcement practices.
• Support innovation lab research projects and present findings.

Skills

Research Skills

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Organizational Skills

Education

Doctoral Degree

Tools

Qualitative Research Methods

Quantitative Research Methods

Job description

The Center for Public Safety and Justice at the University of Virginia’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS) seeks applicants for a full-time Research Scientist. The incumbent will become part of a vibrant team of faculty, students, and staff. The incumbent will become part of a vibrant team of faculty, students, and staff. Like all professional staff, Research Scientists are principally engaged in research and appointed to limited terms of employment at the University.

Role and Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Conduct and support research involving risks and risk mitigation associated with law enforcement practices - this may include conducting novel studies or reviewing existing research.
• Review a wide variety of policing reports to identify lessons learned that can be published for wide consumption.
• Support innovation lab research projects, serving as UVA CPSJ's conduit to external research efforts.
• Support research projects directly with law enforcement agencies.
• Research presentations to a variety of audiences.

Minimum Requirements

Education: Requires a doctoral degree.

Preferred Qualifications

• The ideal candidate will have strong research and analytical skills, particularly in implementation science, program evaluation, and data. Experience with risk management or risk data is preferred; experience with policing or criminal justice related research is preferred. Proficiency in both qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Candidates should have strong written and verbal communication skills including report writing and feedback delivery. The ability to synthesize complex data into actionable insights and recommendations is critical.
• A successful candidate should possess strong organizational skills to manage multiple responsibilities. Adaptability, problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to continuous improvement are key to success in this role.

Physical Demands

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

Compensation Information

This is full-time, benefitted position with an anticipated salary range of $70,000 - $80,000, commensurate with education and experience

To Apply

Please visit the UVA job board. Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile, search Find Jobs and then R0072083. Complete an application online and include the following documents:

• CV/resume
• Cover letter

Upload all materials into the resume submission field. Multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF for submission. Applications that do not contain all required documents will not receive full consideration.

The position will remain open until filled. This is an exempt level, benefitted, remote position. This position will not sponsor applicants for work visas. This restricted position is a 12-month initial appointment, and continuation is dependent upon project need, availability of funding, and performance. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment. For additional information about the position, please contact [e-mail]. For questions about the application process, please contact Michele Jarman via [e-mail].

The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physicians Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experience. We are equal opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, and family medical or genetic information.