Postdoctoral Scholar in Sentencing Research and Policy

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Criminal Justice Research Center (CJRC) and Department of Sociology and Criminology at The Pennsylvania State University invite applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar position to begin July 1, 2026, with flexibility. The successful applicant will collaborate with the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing (PCS) on research related to sentencing guidelines, risk and needs assessment (development and validation of tools), pre‑trial release, parole, and related topics.

A Ph.D. in criminal justice, criminology, sociology, economics, public policy, or a related field is required at the time of appointment.

Preference will be given to candidates with advanced training in statistics, experience working with large administrative datasets, and/or an exemplary interest in applied research, and to those with research interests in courts or sentencing and with a knowledge of, or practical experience with, program evaluation.

The Postdoctoral Scholar position is fully funded by the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).). The Commission on Sentencing is a legislative agency responsible for advancing effective, humane, and rational policies that promote fairer and more uniform decisions at sentencing, resentencing, and parole. The Commission maintains a research and data analysis unit that undertakes research and evaluations of the effectiveness of various criminal justice programs and policies, conducts impact analyses, and serves as a clearinghouse and information center for the collection, preparation, and dissemination of information on Commonwealth sentencing, resentencing, and parole practices.

Key responsibilities of the Postdoctoral Scholar will include collaborating with the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing staff to address legislative mandates; empirically assessing sentencing policy and/or conducting program evaluations (e.g., examining the effectiveness of state and county sentencing programs); working closely with criminal justice stakeholders; assisting in data collection and data management; preparing grant proposals, manuscripts, and conference presentations; and participating in graduate student mentoring.

In addition to Commission‑specific projects, the scholar will have flexibility to conduct independent research related to sentencing, access to sentencing commission data and data from other criminal justice partners (e.g., Department of Corrections, Administrative Office of the Pennsylvania Courts, local probation offices), and opportunities for research collaboration with Penn State faculty.

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees designed to support both personal and professional well‑being. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. (

Note:

For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)

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

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 814‑865‑1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.