Part-Time Research Support - Criminal Justice Research Center (CJRC)

Part-Time Research Support - Criminal Justice Research Center (CJRC)

United States, Pennsylvania, State College

Jul 30, 2026

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.

For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

The Criminal Justice Research Center (CJRC) seeks a Part-Time Research Support staff member to contribute to the Center's mission of bridging criminal-legal research and practice through rigorous, policy-relevant translational research. This position will support ongoing research projects focused on correctional policies, programs, and outcomes in Pennsylvania as part of the CJRC's longstanding research partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (PADOC).

The Research Support position will assist with multiple research initiatives examining correctional interventions, reentry outcomes, and policies affecting individuals involved in the criminal-legal system. The position will work closely with CJRC faculty, research staff, and external partners to support the development, implementation, analysis, and dissemination of research findings.

Duties and Responsibilities

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Assist with data management activities, including data cleaning, organization, documentation, and quality assurance.
• Support quantitative and qualitative research activities, including statistical analysis and interpretation of research findings.
• Assist with data procurement, preparation, and coordination with external research partners.
• Support Institutional Review Board (IRB) submissions and research compliance activities.
• Conduct literature reviews and contribute to research planning and project development.
• Assist with identifying relevant funding opportunities and contribute to grant proposal development.
• Support coordination of research activities, project timelines, and communication among research collaborators.
• Contribute to the preparation of research products, including technical reports, policy briefs, presentations, and manuscripts for academic publication.
• Assist with dissemination activities to translate research findings for academic, practitioner, and policy audiences.
• Perform other research-related duties as assigned.

Research Areas

Current research activities supported by this position include projects examining:

• The impact of correctional vocational programming on post-release employment outcomes and recidivism.
• Recidivism patterns among older adults released from Pennsylvania correctional facilities.
• Correctional policies and programs designed to support successful reentry and improve justice system outcomes.
• Additional emerging research initiatives within the CJRC's portfolio.

Required :

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with criminal justice, corrections, or public policy research.
• Experience with statistical software and/or data analysis tools.
• Experience preparing research reports, manuscripts, or grant-related materials.
• Familiarity with IRB processes
• Experience assisting with research projects, including data management, analysis, literature reviews, or research coordination.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with faculty, researchers, and external partners.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Available to work at least one 4-hour shift during the week Monday through Friday.

Position Details

This is a part-time research support position within the Criminal Justice Research Center. The position provides an opportunity to contribute to applied research projects that inform criminal justice policy and practice in Pennsylvania and beyond.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters.

The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact .

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