Temporary Qualitative Research Associate, Evidence for Justice Lab - McCourt School of Public Policy - Georgetown University

Georgetown University comprises two unique campuses in the nation’s capital. With the Hilltop Campus located in the heart of the historic Georgetown neighborhood, and the Capitol Campus, just minutes from the U.S. Capitol and U.S. Supreme Court, Georgetown University offers rigorous academic programs, a global perspective, and unparalleled opportunities to engage with Washington, D.C. Our community is a close-knit group of remarkable individuals driven by intellectual inquiry, a commitment to social justice, and a shared dedication to making a difference in the world.

Requirements

Job Overview

The Qualitative Research Associate in the Evidence for Justice Lab at the McCourt School of Public Policy, Georgetown University supports the Lab's mission to advance the use of empirical evidence in the criminal justice system and public safety writ large. The Lab conducts interdisciplinary research on how data and evidence can be mobilized to inform more fair outcomes in criminal justice.

The Qualitative Research Associate — in a temporary role — supports the work of the Lab, with primary responsibility to provide qualitative research and administrative support across various initiatives. One key area of research is the Lab's Justice and Tech portfolio, which examines how emerging technologies (like artificial intelligence) are being deployed across the U.S. criminal justice system — including a national tracking platform mapping AI adoption across jurisdictions and a multi-city interview study exploring how communities and practitioners perceive and experience these technologies.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Collaborating with faculty, staff, students and community partners, and execute qualitative research activities to measure the impact of public safety-related programs and interventions.

• Supporting qualitative research, including carrying out data collection and data analyses as well as the management of research projects.

• Drafting qualitative research protocols and data analysis presentations, and assist in developing presentations of research findings for diverse audiences, including donors, policymakers, journalists, and academics, through reports, data visualizations, and other publications.

• Working on programming and strategic outreach efforts as needed.

Work Interactions

The Qualitative Research Associate position reports directly to the Faculty Director of the Evidence for Justice Lab and collaborates extensively with Fellows, the Lab Manager, as well as with other Research Assistants as needed.

Requirements and Qualifications

• Master's degree in public policy, sociology, criminology, political science, or a related social science discipline strongly preferred; bachelor's degree with significant research experience considered

• Experience contributing to qualitative research projects, including data collection, coding, and analysis, ideally within an academic or policy research setting

• Familiarity with qualitative data analysis software (e.g., MAXQDA, Dedoose, or NVivo); experience with qualitative coding is a plus

• Prior experience supporting or participating in social science research, particularly qualitative studies such as interview-based or mixed-methods projects

• Ability to read, interpret, and summarize social science research; comfort engaging with academic and policy literature

• Familiarity with human subjects research and IRB protocols; experience working with confidential or sensitive research data is a plus

• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to draft clear research summaries, memos, and reports for diverse audiences

• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills; High attention to detail; ability to manage assigned tasks independently and meet deadlines in a fast-paced research environment

• Background or demonstrated interest in criminal justice, public safety, social justice or technology policy

Work Mode Designation

This position has been designated as Hybrid. Please note that work mode designations are regularly reviewed in order to meet the evolving needs of the University.  Such review may necessitate a change to a position’s mode of work designation. Complete details about Georgetown University’s mode of work designations for staff positions can be found on the Department of Human Resources website: https://hr.georgetown.edu/mode-of-work-designation.

*Cover letter and resume required for consideration. Deadline for submission is August 21, 2026.*

Pay Range 

The projected hourly pay range for this position which represents the full range of anticipated compensation is: $23.40 - $28.60. Compensation is determined by a number of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s individual qualifications, experience, education, skills, and certifications, as well as the University’s business needs and external factors.
 

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Submission Guidelines:

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at Georgetown University you must submit a resume for each position of interest for which you believe you are qualified. Documents are not kept on file for future positions.

Need Assistance:

If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodations for any part of the application and hiring process, please visit the Office for Equal Opportunity Compliance website for general information about requesting accommodations, as well as information about requesting accommodations specifically for applicants. You also can also contact the Office for Equal Opportunity Compliance at (202) 687-4798 or [email protected].

Need some assistance with the application process? Please call 202-687-2500. For more information about the suite of benefits, professional development and community involvement opportunities that make up Georgetown's commitment to its employees, please visit the Georgetown Works website.

EEO Statement:

GU is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply, and will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, citizenship, color, disability, family responsibilities, gender identity and expression, genetic information, marital status, matriculation, national origin, race, religion, personal appearance, political affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Benefits:

Georgetown University offers a comprehensive and competitive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, retirement savings, tuition assistance, work-life balance benefits, employee discounts and an array of voluntary insurance options. You can learn more about benefits and eligibility on the Department of Human Resources website.