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Summary of Duties:

The Center for Interdisciplinary Statistical Education and Research (CISER) at Washington State University (WSU) is excited to announce that it has an opening for a Post-Doctoral Research Associate (statistical scientist) supporting a new state-wide public data project focused on law enforcement. The successful candidate will be part of a team of researchers whose mission is to modernize public safety data collection through standardization, automation, and evaluation. The project will actively involve law enforcement agencies, state and local policymakers, researchers, and the public in data exploration and discovery. This effort will be accomplished in part by offering education and training opportunities fostering community-focused policing and collaborative learning sessions. The statistical scientist in this role will develop comprehensive educational materials, workshops, online courses, and training manuals designed to equip and empower law enforcement agencies, state and local policymakers, researchers, and the public with data and statistical literacy skills that will enable them to maximize the utility of the data project.

This is a twelve-month, fixed-term position currently funded for three years from date of hire. Anticipated hire date is July 1, 2024. Renewal is dependent on the continued need for the position and contingent upon funding continuation.  This position will be based in Pullman, WA within the Washington State University Department of Mathematics and Statistics

Responsibilities:

• Develop and deliver engaging educational materials on data and statistical literacy tailored for law enforcement agencies, state and local policymakers, researchers, and the public.

• Design and conduct workshops, online courses, and training sessions to impart practical skills in utilizing data for informed decision-making within law enforcement contexts.

• Lead research initiatives to explore the current utilization of data and statistics enhancing public safety.

• Formulate data-driven recommendations to enhance decision-making processes and outcomes within the data project including algorithms and statistical models and performing statistical analyses appropriate to data and reporting requirements.

• Offer expert statistical consultation and guidance to law enforcement agencies, state and local policymakers, researchers, and the public.

• Monitor advancements in data science and statistics, adapting and integrating new methodologies into the data project.

• Contribute to the field's knowledge base by publishing research papers and articles concerning the application of data and statistical literacy.

• Foster collaborative efforts with fellow data science and statistics professionals to refine and optimize data usage of the project.

• Supervise a graduate student from the WSU Mathematics and Statistics Department whose responsibility is to assist with statistical analyses.  

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in statistics, data science, data analytics, applied mathematics, operations research, criminal justice, sociology, economics, psychology, educational psychology, or related field.

• Strong background in the application of quantitative methodology, in particular regression and time series analyses.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated communication skills to effectively convey complex statistical concepts to non-technical audiences.

• Demonstrated expertise in developing and delivering educational materials, workshops, and training sessions on statistical and data literacy.

• Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to accurately complete detailed work.

• Experience using a statistical programming language (for example R, SAS, Python, etc.).

• Ability to collaborate and network with professionals from diverse backgrounds to drive innovation in data-driven discovery associated with the data project.  

Additional Information:

Area/College: College of Arts & Sciences
Department Name: Department of Mathematics & Statistics, Center for Interdisciplinary Statistical Education and Research (CISER)
City, State, Zip: Pullman, WA 99164
Department Link: CISER Contact Information and Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Annual Salary: $50,000.00-$52,000.00 | In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position or as mandated by a U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage determination. WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation and optional supplemental retirement accounts. For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for Faculty and Total Compensation .

Overtime Eligibility: This position is Overtime eligible.
FTE: 100%
This is a temporary non-tenure track position.
Temporary End Date: This is a temporary position expected to end on June 30, 2027. Renewal is dependent on the need for extension and/or if additional funding is secured to extend employment.
Posting Close Date: Applicants must submit their completed application by Sunday, March 31, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.
Background Check: This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34, engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need.  A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.
Application Instructions: Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application. External candidates, please upload all documents in the “Resume/CV” section of your application. Internal candidates, please upload all documents in the “Resume/Cover Letter” section of your application. Documents may be submitted in one file or separate files. Applicants are encouraged to upload as a PDF if possible. Applicants will be requested to provide contact information for professional references within the online application. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements.

Required Documents:

• Cover letter describing your interests, career objectives, and qualifications for the position

• Curriculum Vitae

• Copies of three representative publications

WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EDUCATOR AND EMPLOYER. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veteran, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply.

WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or hrs@wsu.edu .