50% GSR Position: Risk Resilience Research Lab

The Risk-Resilience Research lab at the University of California, Berkeley is recruiting a Graduate Student Researcher to be appointed at 50% time. The expected start date is May 15, 2021 and the recruitment will be open until filled. The level of appointment will be commensurate with the applicant’s experience.

•Clean, merge and analyze data related to a variety of projects that examine the impact of progressive policies and innovative interventions for adolescents and adults involved in the justice system.

• Conduct statistical analyses, including organizing and maintaining databases and preparing analyses, charts, tables, graphs, and maps.

• Perform literature searches, prepare and annotate bibliographies and abstract data source materials.

• Exercise initiative in providing research assistance.

• Stay in close communication with the team.

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field (social science, data science, etc.).

• Training and/or experience as a data scientist or data analyst.

• Solid programming skills. Knowledge of R, SPSS, Stata or another statistical package is required. R is preferred.

• Experience in quantitative analysis, along with proven analytical ability, will be important assets. Specific experience with the use of advanced techniques (e.g., multiple imputation) is preferred.

• Master’s training or degree in psychology, sociology, public policy, public health, economics, or a related field is preferred.

• Excellent written and verbal communications skills and attention to detail.

The Risk-Resilience lab creates data-driven insights that inform efforts to prevent violence, improve decision-making about people involved in the justice system, and achieve effective and equitable justice reform. The lab is Co-Directed by Professor Jennifer Skeem and Dr. Sharon Farrell.

1. Impact of criminal justice fee repeal on probationers’ financial health & re-offending In these projects, we’re leveraging a unique opportunity to advance understanding of the unique effect of both fees and fee repeal on probationers’ financial health trajectories and risk of re-offending. This involves using administrative data to estimate the causal relationship of administrative fees (versus other financial sanctions) on probationers’ and families’ outcomes.

2. Interventions - Testing a new model for justice-involved people with mental illness

In this project, we are rigorously testing whether and how the “Interventions” CBT program adds value to existing services to reduce recidivism for justice-involved people with mental illness. Researchers have recruited 720 people with mental illness, randomized them to receive either “services as usual” or “Interventions-added” treatment, and followed them for two or more years to track outcomes.

The appointment level and salary for this position is based upon experience and qualifications. This is a 50% position.