Research Assistant (Justice Policy Center

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.

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

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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.

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.

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

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.

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…