RESEARCH ASSOCIATE POSITION
POLICE EXECUTIVE RESEARCH FORUM

 

The Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), a leading national police research institution and membership organization based in Washington, DC, seeks candidates to fill a research associate position within PERF’s Center for Applied Research and Management. PERF focuses on critical and emerging issues in policing, such as the use of body-worn cameras, police use-of-force, countering violent extremism, officer safety and wellness, technology issues and cybercrime, sexual assault, gun crime reduction strategies, evaluation of promising practices, performance measurement, and community policing. PERF has earned a national reputation for identifying emerging trends and developing promising practices for police practitioners. PERF has an excellent relationship and track record of collaborating with police agencies across the nation. These relationships provide PERF researchers with a unique level of access to conduct high-profile law enforcement projects and are instrumental to PERF’s consistent record of high participation rates.

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE RESPONSIBILITIES:

PERF offers a unique learning environment that examines current policing issues on a national scale. This position will involve hands-on experience with law enforcement research, public policy and training projects.

The successful candidate may have responsibilities in the following areas:

  • gathering, reviewing, and analyzing current policing literature and research;
  • developing concept papers and proposals;
  • drafting proposals for project funding;
  • preparing and delivering presentations;
  • completing project and contract management activities;
  • coordinating and conducting meetings;
  • traveling to conduct on-site research (or “site-visits”) at police departments and other criminal justice agencies; and
  • writing and editing publications, reports, and project documents.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Applicant must possess a 4-year college degree (Master’s Degree strongly preferred) in the social sciences or a related field, with 2-4 years relevant professional experience. Applicants must be detail-oriented, self-motivated, and able to multi-task, work well individually and in a team setting, and have strong computer skills. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in project management and conducting research with rigorous methodologies (e.g. randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental designs). Applicants should have strong analytic and research skills, with experience using advanced statistical techniques. Additionally, applicants should have the ability to present ideas, findings and recommendations effectively, both orally and in writing, to diverse audiences. Knowledge of the substantive area of law enforcement is a plus.

Applying for a position at PERF: PERF offers competitive salaries and excellent benefits.

Send letter of interest, resume, a writing sample (written for a general audience), and a list of three references to PERF, Attn: Nathan Ballard, 1120 Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite 930, Washington, DC 20036, or email your materials to [email protected]. Application review will start immediately and continue until the position is filled. Application packets that do not contain the required materials will not be considered. PERF is an equal opportunity employer that values and actively seeks diversity in the workforce. For more information on PERF, please see our website at www.PoliceForum.org.