Research Associate

The Policing Project at New York University School of Law is seeking a full-time Research Associate to contribute to a series of cutting-edge research and pilot projects to reimagine public safety, with a focus on addressing community needs and reducing reliance on enforcement. The ideal candidate will hold at least a master’s degree in a relevant discipline and at least three years of experience (Ph.D. applicants may substitute education for partial experience) contributing to social science research, with a particular focus on qualitative methodology.

Background on the Policing Project

The Policing Project partners with communities and local governments to promote public safety through transparency, equity, and democratic engagement. We work across a host of issues—from use of force and racial profiling, to facial recognition and predictive policing.

One of our highest priorities is supporting jurisdictions seeking to narrow the function of policing and expand services that effectively address community public safety needs. This position will join our reimagining public safety team to advance a series of research and pilot projects to develop an evidence-based framework to transform dispatch and response, empirically assess community needs and how best to meet them, and develop a wholistic framework for reimagining public safety that centers community priorities and minimizes reliance on force and enforcement. This position also is expected to support other related projects such as establishing basic minimum performance standards for fair, just, effective policing.

Job Description & Responsibilities:

This position will report to the Chief of Staff of the Policing Project and will be responsible for:

Assisting with development, design, and implementation of a series of research and pilot projects designed to: (1) learn from modifications in dispatch and response due to exogenous shocks such as the pandemic and racial justice protests, (2) understand better how call-takers ascertain risk, how this risk determination impacts response, and what information is needed to support alternative response models, and (3) develop a data-driven, interdisciplinary framework for redesigning public safety systems at the jurisdictional level;
Conducting interviews with study subjects and coding qualitative results;
Tracking project progress and helping to ensure project milestones are achieved in a timely manner;
Coordinating with and among our many research partners, including academics and experts from across the country, policing agencies, community organizations, non-profits, municipal leaders, and others;
Writing reports, white papers, and blog entries, and contributing to academic publications describing our research;
Working with and supervising undergraduate and graduate interns;
Contributing to substantive development of other priority projects as needed, including researching and drafting literature reviews and summaries of relevant scientific evidence to support our programs.

Desired Experience and Qualifications:

Above all, we are seeking to hire someone with relevant experience, a passion for advancing public safety, and an ability to work hard and proactively. In addition, we will consider the following qualifications when considering applicants:

Minimum of a master’s degree in a social science or related discipline;
At least three years of professional experience (Ph.D.-level applicants may have one year of professional experience);
Experience with project management, particularly with multi-member/multi-team projects;
Strong familiarity with and/or interest in public safety, city government, and/or social services;
Demonstrated experience contributing to research projects using qualitative methods, particularly conducting and coding results;
Demonstrated experience working or coordinating with public safety practitioners, social service providers, and/or municipal government;
Strong written communications skills;
Strong interpersonal skills (be it talking with a police officer, a community organizer or activist, or an academic);
Good judgment, and the ability to keep many balls in the air without dropping them;
Excellent organizational skills.

This position is full-time remote, with the possibility of working out of Policing Project’s offices in New York City if an individual prefers.

Salary and Benefits

$65,000 - $90,000

Salary is commensurate with experience

Compensation will include an excellent benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision. Further information regarding benefits can be found here:

https://www.nyu.edu/employees/benefit/full-time/professional-research-staff.html

NYU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a policy of equal treatment and opportunity in every aspect of its recruitment and hiring process without regard to age, alienage, caregiver status, childbirth, citizenship status, color, creed, disability, domestic violence victim status, ethnicity, familial status, gender and/or gender identity or expression, marital status, military status, national origin, parental status, partnership status, predisposing genetic characteristics, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, unemployment status, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of minority sexual orientation or gender identity, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels.

EOE/AA/Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

How to Apply

To apply please send a cover letter and resume to Nicole Bernardo, nicole.bernardo@nyu.edu. Please indicate “Research Associate Application” in the subject line of your email. Cover letters should include when you are available to start. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and you will be contacted if selected for an interview.

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