Research Associate – Virginia Criminal Sentencing

Research Associate – Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission

The Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission is seeking a highly motivated and analytical professional to join its team as a Research Associate. In this role, the Research Associate will analyze a broad range of criminal justice data using statistical methods, monitor criminal justice legislation, and contribute to the development and ongoing evaluation of Virginia's Sentencing Guidelines. The position also supports the Commission's objective, data-driven responses to inquiries from policymakers.

As the Commission is a non-policy-making agency, the successful candidate must be able to conduct impartial analysis, manage multiple priorities, and demonstrate strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills without advocating policy positions.

The Commission offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including vacation and sick leave, 13 paid holidays, health insurance, retirement benefits, life insurance, deferred compensation, and short- and long-term disability coverage.

The Research Associate analyzes criminal justice data to identify trends, model judicial sentencing practices, maintain data dashboards, evaluate risk factors associated with offender recidivism, track proposed legislation, and assess the potential impact of legislative and executive policy changes.

Working collaboratively with the research team, the Research Associate contributes to project design and research methodology, applies appropriate statistical techniques to analyze complex datasets, accurately interprets findings, and prepares clear, objective written reports and data visualizations for a variety of audiences. The position is also responsible for collecting, managing, and assembling data to support ongoing research initiatives and responding to ad hoc data requests as needed.

The successful candidate will independently manage and lead research projects from inception through completion, ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality, objective analyses.

The most competitive candidates will possess:

• Bachelor's degree in statistics, criminology, sociology, economics, public policy, psychology, or another social science discipline with substantial coursework in quantitative research methods; or an equivalent combination of education and directly related professional experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of social science research methods and experience applying descriptive and multivariate statistical techniques, including regression analysis.
• Experience working with large, complex datasets and integrating data from multiple sources.
• Proficiency with statistical analysis software, such as SPSS, for data management and analysis.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex analytical findings clearly and objectively to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently and collaboratively, and complete projects within established deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as experience using Tableau or similar data visualization software.

Preferred Qualifications:

• An advanced degree is preferred.
• Knowledge of Virginia's criminal justice system, sentencing practices, or another state's judicial or criminal justice system.
• Experience applying quantitative research methods in a criminal justice, public policy, or related research setting.
• Experience conducting survival analysis or other advanced statistical modeling techniques.
• Knowledge of sampling design, survey methodology, and sampling strategies.
• Experience evaluating the impact of proposed legislation or conducting policy analysis.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Access or other relational database management systems.

Prior applicants are encouraged to reapply to be considered.

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Human resources

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer