Description

Overview of the Criminal Justice Research Division

The Criminal Justice Research Division is the clearinghouse for crime data throughout the region and is well known for producing high quality research and evaluating important programs with policy implications. Projects include evaluating various programs from multiple agencies regarding substance use, crime prevention, alternatives to incarceration for adults and juveniles, among many others. Research Assistants play an important role in the data collection and analysis process.

Role

The Limited-Term Research Analyst supports the Criminal Justice Research Division through comprehensive data analysis, research design, and quality assurance processes. This role is responsible for analyzing complex datasets, designing research methodologies, and developing actionable insights to inform policy and operational decisions. Additionally, the Research Analyst ensures data integrity, supports documentation and compliance efforts, and delivers clear, data-driven recommendations to stakeholders. This limited-term position provides an opportunity to play a key role in advancing critical criminal justice research initiatives, contributing to evidence-based policy recommendations and impactful community outcomes.

Job Responsibilities

Data Analysis and Validation: Analyze and validate regional criminal justice and public safety data, interpreting multi-disciplinary datasets to ensure accuracy, reliability, and meaningful insights.
Research Methodology Design: Design and implement both qualitative and quantitative data collection methodologies, including developing standardized research procedures.
Advanced Data Analytics: Perform data analysis and management using tools such as Python, R, Power BI, and SPSS to identify trends, patterns, and actionable findings.
Quality Control: Develop and perform internal quality control tests to detect anomalies, identify root causes, and ensure the accuracy and integrity of research outputs.
Dataset and Methodology Review: Conduct regular reviews of datasets and research methodologies, providing suggestions for improvement and maintaining detailed documentation.
Documentation and Compliance: Create and maintain documentation related to data compliance, data flows, process flows, and reporting protocols.
Reporting and Visualization: Prepare detailed metrics, statistical reports, dashboards, and data visualizations for reporting purposes and to support informed decision-making.
Communication: Prepare and present written, oral, and visual reports, providing data-driven recommendations to stakeholders, policymakers, and organizational leadership.
Administrative Support: Provide administrative support for documentation, workflows, and reporting requirements to ensure seamless project execution.

Typical Qualifications

An ideal candidate for this position would be technically skilled (intermediate-advanced level knowledge of programming languages such as Python/R/SQL), organized, having a strong aptitude for analytical thinking and problem solving, and can be relied upon to meet deadlines while working on multiple projects. Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to maintain a high level of accuracy are essential. Strong and effective communication skills and an ability to work collaboratively are required for this role.

Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, public policy, data science, statistics, or a related field.
Advanced degrees will be preferred. A combination of education and recent work experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree.
Strong proficiency in data analysis tools such as Python, R, Power BI, or SPSS.
Experience in designing and implementing research methodologies.
Demonstrated ability to validate and analyze complex datasets.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting complex data clearly.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to data quality assurance.
Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
Familiarity with criminal justice systems, public policy analysis, and research methodologies is preferred.

Background Check

All employees working in the Criminal Justice Research Division are required to pass a criminal history background check conducted by the San Diego County Sheriff's department and tuberculosis (TB) test upon hire and annually thereafter.

Further Information

SANDAG employees are expected to live within the San Diego region and work in-person in our San Diego office; there are Hybrid work schedule options available, as well as a 9/80 work schedule (every other Monday off).

The selected candidate can anticipate a driving record check upon hire, and approximately annually thereafter. The results of the check may determine whether the selected candidate will be permitted to drive for SANDAG business. This is a limited-term position with an opportunity to extend based on funding.