About the position
RAND is seeking criminologists at all levels of experience to join our collaborative research teams. Researchers at RAND are dedicated to producing objective, scientific analyses that are published in peer-reviewed journals and technical reports, aimed at guiding policymakers on a diverse set of issues. Our multidisciplinary teams consist of policy researchers, economists, psychologists, statisticians, social scientists, and others with relevant training, all working together to apply rigorous, empirical research designs to analyze policy issues and evaluate programs. The role offers opportunities to teach in the Pardee RAND Graduate School and collaborate on projects across various research divisions, including Education and Labor, Health Care, Homeland Security, National Security, and Social and Economic Well-Being. Current research at RAND covers a broad array of topics, such as mental health services research, health care, drug policy, disaster recovery, and homeland/national security. Our research encompasses issues that affect the population at large, as well as vulnerable and hard-to-reach groups, ensuring a comprehensive approach to criminology and related fields. Successful applicants will demonstrate strong quantitative and/or qualitative research skills, excellent verbal and written communication abilities, and a commitment to building a policy research portfolio. Candidates should be able to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team and align with RAND's core values of quality and objectivity. Specializations of interest include criminology, policing, courts and corrections, victimology, juvenile justice, cybersecurity, and more. This position is available in various locations, including Santa Monica, CA; Pittsburgh, PA; Washington, D.C.; or Boston, MA, with a hybrid work arrangement that allows for a combination of remote and on-site work. Fully remote work may also be considered, providing flexibility in the work environment.
Responsibilities
- Conduct collaborative research on criminology and related fields.
- Produce objective, scientific analyses for peer-reviewed journals and technical reports.
- Guide policymakers on diverse issues through rigorous research.
- Teach in the Pardee RAND Graduate School.
- Collaborate on projects across various research divisions.
- Analyze policy issues and evaluate programs using empirical research designs.
Requirements
- PhD in criminology, criminal justice, or relevant discipline (or at the dissertation stage with completion expected within 12 months).
- PhD in other discipline or JD with extensive application of research methods to behavioral or social science issues.
- Master's degree in public policy, public health, or a technical discipline with 5+ years of experience and proficiency in research methods.
- Demonstrated quantitative and/or qualitative research skills.
- Strong analytic and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience in conducting applied and policy-oriented research.
- Record of peer-reviewed publications and extramural funding.
- Experience working with funders such as foundations or the National Institute of Justice.
Benefits
- Health insurance coverage
- Life and disability insurance
- Savings plan
- Paid time-off
- Sabbatical pay for additional compensation during vacation.
