Senior Research Associate - Global Justice Lab

Date Posted: 03/24/2025
Req ID:42260
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Arts & Science
Department: Munk Sch Global Affairs & Public Policy
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Description:

The Global Justice Lab (GJL), Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, at the University of Toronto invites applications for a Senior Research Associate. The anticipated start date is April 21, 2025.

The Global Justice Lab is seeking a Senior Research Associate with extensive experience in policing, criminal justice, and community safety. They will play a leading role in leading and overseeing empirical research projects focused on law enforcement, justice system performance, and public safety initiatives. This role involves data collection, policy evaluation, and engagement with justice system professionals across Toronto, Canada, and internationally. The ideal candidate will have expertise in quantitative and qualitative research methods, survey and interview design, and justice system measurement. They must have the capacity to independently carry out research projects as needed.

The Senior Research Associate will: Lead research projects examining policing, community safety, and justice system effectiveness; Design and implement surveys, interview protocols, and data collection strategies related to criminal justice policies and law enforcement practices; Analyze quantitative, qualitative, and documentary data to assess policing strategies, crime prevention programs, and community engagement initiatives; Develop and oversee ethics protocols for research involving justice system personnel and community stakeholders; Organize and lead workshops, scholarly events, and visiting researcher programs focused on criminal justice reform and public safety; Write and disseminate academic publications, policy reports, and public-facing op-eds on policing and justice system accountability; Engage with police departments, legal professionals, policymakers, and community organizations to enhance justice system effectiveness; Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary research team, including undergraduate and graduate students, as well as postdoctoral researchers;   Collaborate with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, private firms, and academic institutions on justice system reform and policy evaluation; and Manage and contribute to securing large-scale research grants related to policing, crime prevention, and criminal justice policy.

Applicants should apply online at the link below and include a covering letter, curriculum vitae and three reference names with their contact addresses and phone numbers. Any questions regarding this position should be directed to Professor Ron Levi at ron.levi@utoronto.ca.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education - PhD in social science

Experience – Minimum of 10 years of experience in criminal justice policy research, policing, or community safety. Extensive experience in leading research projects, managing research teams, and conducting policy analysis on policing and crime prevention. Strong background in survey design, data collection, and data analysis related to law enforcement and justice system outcomes. Proven track record of writing policy reports and commentary on criminal justice and policing. Experience working with law enforcement agencies, justice system professionals, policymakers, and community organizations. Success in building partnerships and generating research contracts and grant opportunities.

Skills – Advanced expertise in quantitative and qualitative research methods, including policy evaluation and crime data analysis. Strong project management and leadership skills. Excellent academic and policy writing abilities, including experience writing reports, op-eds, and peer-reviewed publications. Experience with research ethics approvals and compliance in policing and justice system studies. Ability to engage and collaborate with diverse stakeholders in academic, policy, and public sectors on policing and community safety issues.

Additional skills required include, leadership and strong interpersonal skills to assist in the guidance and implementation of the research project that is comprised of a multi-disciplinary and international team of scholars.

Closing Date: 04/02/2025,11:59PM ET
Employee Group: Research Associate 
Appointment Type: Grant - Continuing 
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: R02 -- Sr. Research Associates $61,510 - $107,439 - $124,864 (open)
Job Category: Research Administration & Teaching