The Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), a leading national police research institution and membership organization based in Washington, DC, seeks candidates to fill a senior research associate position.  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 projects with law enforcement agencies nationwide.                                                                                      

SENIOR RESEARCH ASSOCIATE RESPONSIBILITIES:   

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

The successful candidate will become a key member of PERF’s Technical Assistance Division with 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 4-6 years relevant professional experience. Applicants must be detail-oriented, self-motivated, 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 planning and management and contract/grant management. Applications should demonstrate strong analytic and research skills as well as the ability to present ideas, findings, and recommendations effectively, both orally and in writing. Excellent writing skills required.  Knowledge of the substantive area of law enforcement is a plus.  

HOW TO APPLY: 

Interested applicants must submit the following documentation:  

• Letter of interest
• Resume
• Two writing samples
• Contact information for three references   

Please email your materials to Jessica Toliver, Director of Technical Assistance, at [email protected].  

Or, you may mail them to the following address: 

Application review will begin 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

PERF offers competitive salaries and excellent benefits.