Research Associate in Social Science

Position Summary

Michigan State University (MSU) actively promotes a dynamic research and learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry. The university strives for inclusive excellence by promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion across its core missions.

The School of Criminal Justice at MSU is recruiting one exceptional early-career research investigator to undertake an intensive postdoctoral position (referred to as Research Associates at MSU) that is tied to funded research on neighborhood influences on the decision process for youth violence. This mentored position will be overseen by Drs. Carole Gibbs and Jennifer Cobbina-Dungy (and will collaborate with Dr. Alaina De Biasi of Wayne State University and Dr. Louie Rivers, III of North Carolina State University). The project involves conducting multiple interviews with youth ages 18 to 24 residing in disadvantaged neighborhoods in Lansing, Michigan to examine how the decision process operates during violent incidents and the contextual influences on it. The successful candidate will engage in all aspects of the project.

This is a one-year appointment with renewal for a second year, contingent on performance.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate

Minimum Requirements

The completion of all degree requirements for a Ph.D. from an accredited college or university with a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in a relevant field of study (criminal justice, criminology, sociology, psychology, social work, or a related field) by the time of appointment is required. Applications are encouraged from both Ph.D. candidates and scholars who have completed their Ph.D. within the past two years. A minimum 2-years of experience in relevant research, including published manuscripts (as co-author or first author), is required. This experience may be within the context of doctoral degree training.

Preference will be given to candidates with experience conducting qualitative interviews on sensitive topics with residents of under served communities in community settings. Preference will also be given to candidates whose scholarship demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Primary responsibilities of the Research Associate include:

• Data collection and management

• Data analysis

• Preparation of reports, manuscripts, and conference presentations

• Participation in graduate and undergraduate student mentoring

Senior personnel will work with the Research Associate to develop a two-year mentoring plan that includes the Research Associate’s professional narrative of their scholarly identity, specific short- and long-term research and other career goals, a timeline for completion of those goals, and professional development workshops. The Research Associate will be introduced to Michigan State University’s many resources for training and support for faculty development, as well as health and wellness services. The Research Associate will also have access to an outstanding group of faculty and staff in the School of Criminal Justice (https://cj.msu.edu/index.html). It is ranked among the top in the nation and delivers graduate and undergraduate programs focused specifically on criminal justice.

Required Application Materials

Applicants should submit a CV, a letter of application, and a statement that describes research interests and scholarly (and other) contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and names and contact information for 3 references that will provide letters of recommendation upon request. Applications will not be reviewed until all materials are submitted.

Special Instructions

Review of applications will begin on August 1, 2023 and continue until the position is filled. The start date is negotiable. Inquiries may be directed to Dr. Carole Gibbs at gibbsca1@msu.edu.

Review of Applications Begins On

08/01/2023

Website

cj.msu.edu

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.