Criminal Justice Research Analyst

The Criminal Justice Research Analyst will contribute to the work of Minnesota’s Statistical Analysis Center (SAC) under the direction of the Research & Training Director, Office of Justice Programs (OJP) at the Department of Public Safety. Each state has a federally supported SAC whose mission is to collect and analyze data relating to crime and the juvenile and criminal justice systems, provide accurate information and analysis on emerging and critical issues, and support informed policy and grantmaking decisions. This position will also support the work of OJP units and offices as it relates to research and evaluation.

Primary duties will include working independently and with research team members and diverse stakeholders to design and conduct quantitative and mixed methods research studies; data collection, analysis, and management; program evaluation; literature and policy review; research dissemination tasks; and technical assistance.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

To ensure proper crediting, please include a cover letter and ensure your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed below and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each position held.

• Three* (3) years of research experience collecting, analyzing, and managing data in criminal and juvenile justice, public health, public policy, social science, or related area.
• Ability to design and conduct quantitative and mixed methods research studies, including the ability to independently conduct basic to advanced statistical analyses and effectively use statistical analysis software (e.g., Stata, SPSS).
• Ability to manage datasets of varying sizes, including the ability to merge datasets, and extract and clean raw administrative data, and the ability to conduct survey research in accordance with established research protocols.
• Ability to communicate research findings to a variety of audiences in a clear and concise manner (e.g., through technical reports, visuals, policy briefs, presentations).
• Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities.

Applicants who meet the above qualifications will be further evaluated on:

• Ability and commitment to maintain data in accordance with state and federal law and a high level of research ethics.
• Ability to review and present data in an unbiased manner and to carefully consider diverse perspectives.
• Ability to effectively design and work on research projects independently, as part of a research team, and with a variety of stakeholders.
• Ability to identify problems over the course of the research process and develop creative solutions.
• Organization and time management skills to complete research tasks across multiple projects with competing deadlines, and ability to pivot when priorities shift.

*A completed degree that provided sufficient training in statistics/research methods (e.g., data science, public health, public policy, or social science) from an accredited program may substitute the following:

• Bachelor’s: one (1) year of work experience.
• Master’s: two (2) years of work experience.
• PhD (from an R1 or R2 institution, denoting high research activity): three (3) years of work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in program evaluation and providing research/evaluation technical assistance.
• Experience in qualitative research methods, including qualitative data collection and analysis.
• Knowledge of the criminal justice systems and various areas of crime victim services (e.g., domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking).
• Experience working effectively (in a research, service, or volunteer capacity) with diverse populations in crime victim service areas, which may include victims of crime, law enforcement, and/or crime victim service providers or other community organizations.
• An understanding of how criminal legal studies intersect with other policy and research areas (e.g., public health, education, child welfare, economics, political science). 

Physical Requirements

Requires occasionally moving and transporting such articles as file boxes and heavy hand tools or heavier materials with help from others, and moving and transporting light objects frequently.  Even though the weights being moved and transported may be a negligible amount, a job in this category may require positioning self to move to a significant degree or may involve maintaining a stationary position for extended periods.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of the following:

It is the policy of the Department of Public Safety that all employees submit to a background investigation prior to employment, includes the following components:

1) criminal history

2) reference check

Application Details

How to Apply 

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Megan Lund at megan.lund@state.mn.us .

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Megan Lund at megan.lund@state.mn.us.

About Public Safety Dept 

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) is a diverse, complex agency dedicated to serving communities across the state. DPS has 10 public facing and four support divisions with about 2,200 dedicated employees operating programs statewide that all have one goal: Building a safer Minnesota.

Working together to improve the state we love. 

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common? 

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits 

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include: 

• Paid vacation and sick leave 
• 12 paid holidays each year 
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans 
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children 
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care 
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.