About the Department

The University of Cincinnati Corrections Institute (UCCI) translates research into practice by conducting research on correctional interventions, developing evidence-informed and evidence-based tools, and providing training and technical assistance to professionals working with people who are justice-involved. UCCI is housed in the School of Criminal Justice in the College of Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services, and Information Technology (CECH) at the University of Cincinnati (UC). 

At its core, UCCI uniquely combines theory and practice through two avenues of innovation. The research pathway serves to study and support data-driven strategies that advance evidence-based approaches in corrections. The implementation pathway serves to apply correctional research in ways that strengthen program effectiveness, encouraging professionals to become “agents of change.” This partnership helps to substantially narrow the gap between academic research and correctional practice in ways that positively impact lives and shape safer communities.

Job Overview

UCCI is currently recruiting a highly qualified individual to contribute to the organization’s development and implementation activities at the Sr Research Associate or Research Associate level. Under the UCCI Executive Director, the selected candidate will participate in the organization’s training and technical assistance (TTA) projects and be an integral part of the TTA team. Specifically, candidates will have the opportunity to work on multiple projects which could include the development of structured group and individual interventions as well as training on evidence-based practices; designing evidence-based programs; delivering training and technical assistance and; comprehensive process evaluations. The candidate will also be asked to work closely to assist in preparing proposals, developing and delivering new products and services, and providing training and technical assistance to a diverse population of correctional professionals.

Essential Functions

For Research Associate:

• Assist with the coordination of TTA projects and research studies in a particular discipline.
• Make independent contributions to projects and studies based on professional training or functional experience.
• Identify and solve problems using TTA knowledge.
• Contribute to the collective team effort.
• Independently work on multiple projects with a variety of criminal justice agencies.  
• Train and coach correctional professionals in evidence-based practices.
• Aid in developing and updating training and program curriculum. 
• Organize and develop TTA projects.
• Accomplish assigned duties for projects/studies, or for significant aspects of larger, complex assignments.
• Identify opportunities for potential collaborations between UCCI and external partners.
• Facilitate communication and efficient collaboration between all stakeholders and partners.
• Monitor project deliverables so that deadlines are met, or adjustments are made if needed.  
• Perform related duties based on departmental need. 
• This job description can be changed at any time.

Essential Functions Continued

For Sr. Research Associate:

• Coordinate and lead TTA projects in a particular discipline.
• Make independent contributions to projects and studies based on professional training or functional experience.
• Independently decide how to solve issues/problems and rely upon their own resources to resolve the issue.
• Contribute to the collective team effort.
• Train and coach correctional professionals in evidence-based practices.
• Oversee development and updates of our training and program curriculum. 
• Organize and develop TTA projects.
• Act as a mentor to fellow colleagues.
• Accomplish assigned duties for projects/studies, or for significant aspects of larger, complex assignments.
• Identify opportunities for potential collaborations between UCCI and external partners.
• Facilitate communication and efficient collaboration between all stakeholders and partners.
• Develop and monitor project deliverables and timelines so that deadlines are met, or adjustments are made if needed.
• May provide direct and/or indirect supervision to exempt and non-exempt staff (i.e., hiring/firing, performance evaluations, disciplinary action, approve time off, etc.).
• Perform related duties based on departmental need. 
• This job description can be changed at any time.

Required Education

Bachelor’s Degree required in a related field.

Required Experience

Three (3) years of experience in a related field, process, or discipline.

Additional Qualifications Considered

• MA/MS or PhD from an accredited institution of higher education in Criminal Justice or related discipline.
• In-depth knowledge of evidence-based practices in corrections. 
• Demonstrated TTA experience. 
• Demonstrated curriculum development experience.
• Demonstrated supervisory/mentorship experience.
• Experience writing TTA or research proposals. 
• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team. 
• Ability to manage multiple demands/tasks. 
• Ability to regularly travel (approximately one week per month). 
• Willingness to work inside correctional facilities and directly with populations who are justice-involved. 
• Ability to regularly travel (approximately one to two weeks per month).

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

Application Process

To apply, please complete the online application.  Applicants must be able to pass a background check. The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.