PERF – Research Assistant

Description

The Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), a leading national police research and membership organization based in Washington, DC, seeks candidates to fill an entry-level Research Assistant position.

PERF focuses on addressing the most critical issues facing the policing profession today. These include police use of force, violent crime trends and prevention, officer safety, technology issues and cybercrime, youth and gang violence, sexual assault and domestic violence, racial bias in policing, police workforce issues, and community policing. By collaborating with police agencies across the nation, PERF has earned a national reputation for identifying emerging trends and developing promising practices for police practitioners. The Research Assistant plays an important role in organizing and carrying out PERF initiatives.

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. Duties will include the following:

• Conducting database searches and literature reviews of policing and criminal justice issues;
• Contributing to survey development and dissemination;
• Conducting phone interviews;
• Fielding incoming information requests;
• Assisting with report writing and preparation;
• Planning and managing conference logistics;
• Taking notes at conferences, site visits, project meetings, etc.;
• Drafting progress reports (federal and non-federal);
• Maintaining project files; and
• Assisting staff with tasks related to on-going projects.

Some travel will be required.

Qualifications

Candidates interested in the Research Assistant position should have a commitment to advancing the policing profession and PERF’s mission. A bachelor’s degree, preferably in criminal justice, a social science or a related major, is required. Previous professional work experience is a plus.

Qualified candidates must have excellent verbal, written, organizational, and analytical skills. Candidates need to be proficient with the MS Office suite of applications (in particular Word, PowerPoint and Excel) and should be capable of conducting exhaustive Internet and database searches. Knowledge of databases, academic or other, is a plus.

Applying for a position at PERF: 

Email your letter of interest/cover letter, resume, and a writing sample to Sarah Mostyn at [email protected]. Application review will start immediately and continue until the position is filled. Application packets that do not include the required materials will not be considered.

PERF offers competitive salaries and excellent benefits. 

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.