Job Description
Position Description
The Researcher/Research Analyst’s purpose is to help the court staff understand data for evidence-based decision making. The Research Analyst manages research projects relating to courts and justice activity. This person will conduct and interpret data analysis to help legal decision-makers better understand what is happening within the functioning court system. This position is part of the Office of Court Management Research & Analytics Division. As a member of the court staff, the Research Analyst will engage with internal teams and data systems, other county departments, state agencies, representatives from academic institutions, and the public. Competency in the understanding of research methods is expected. Field experience in a professional criminal justice-focused role (outside of academics) will be viewed as an asset to the candidate’s application.
Duties and Responsibilities: - Coordinate and plan research designs and methodology applications for research projects.
- Interact with data systems and databases from within the Harris County justice environment.
- Conduct data analysis and provide interpretation of results to increase understanding of what is happening within the functioning court system.
- Write reports, conduct literature reviews, and create presentations for internal review, interdepartmental projects, and public-facing outlets.
- Review external reports, articles, and media publications for substance and application to court-based systems.
- Maintain a strong understanding of court caseloads, processes, and data for analysis purposes.
- Maintain an awareness of historical and emerging trends in the research of justice and justice analytics, as well as current and future trends in research technologies and methodologies.
NOTE: This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty required of the position. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of management to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision. The listing of duties and responsibilities shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hct
Requirements - Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice or Public/Business Administration, Social Sciences or related field from an accredited college or university with
- Four (4) years of experience in a research field.
OR - Advanced Degree in Criminal Justice or Public/Business Administration, Social Sciences or related field such as:
- Master degree in related field
- Doctoral Degree in related field
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: - Strong oral and written communication skills are important for this role; this includes the ability to communicate effectively with the Research & Analytics team, judges, various levels of management, and with other departmental project teams.
- Capability to interpret and connect the data and its analysis to the real-world situations applicable to the criminal justice system.
- Self-initiative and desire to design relevant research projects.
- Knowledge of statistical methodology.
- Experience with data analysis for the purposes of reporting and problem solving.
- Proficiency with analytical software (Examples could include: Excel, SAS, SPSS, Microsoft SQL Server Suite (TSQL, SSRS, SSAS), R, or comparable platforms.)
- Experience with organizing and coordinating multiple work activities.
- The ability to be objective when reviewing reports and conducting data analysis.
NOTE: To qualify for this position, required education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be clearly stated on your application's employment history. Resumes are welcome, but we do not use any information provided on your resume to qualify and refer you to the Hiring Department for consideration.
Preferences - Candidates with advanced degrees and field experience will be favored candidates. ABD students are encouraged to apply.
General Information Position Type and Typical Hours of Work: - Regular Full-time
- Hours will be discussed during departmental interview.
Salary: - Depends on Qualifications
- Based on 26 Pay Periods
Employment is contingent upon passing a background check and drug screen. Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
Job Tags
Full time,