New River Community College
Postdoctoral Scholar in Sentencing Research and Policy
New River Community College, University Park, Texas, United States
Postdoctoral Scholar in Sentencing Research and Policy
The Criminal Justice Research Center (CJRC) and Department of Sociology and Criminology at The Pennsylvania State University invite applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar position to begin July 1, 2026, with flexibility. The successful applicant will collaborate with the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing (PCS) on research related to sentencing guidelines, risk and needs assessment (development and validation of tools), pre‑trial release, parole, and related topics.
A Ph.D. in criminal justice, criminology, sociology, economics, public policy, or a related field is required at time of appointment.
Preference will be given to candidates with advanced training in statistics, experience working with large administrative datasets, and/or an exemplary interest in applied research, and to those with research interests in courts or sentencing and with a knowledge of, or practical experience with, program evaluation.
Key Responsibilities
Collaborate with PCS staff to address legislative mandates.
Empirically assess sentencing policy and/or conduct program evaluations (e.g., examining the effectiveness of state and county sentencing programs).
Work closely with criminal justice stakeholders.
Assist in data collection and data management.
Prepare grant proposals, manuscripts, and conference presentations.
Participate in graduate student mentoring.
In addition to Commission‑specific projects, the scholar will have flexibility to conduct independent research related to sentencing, access to Commission data and data from other criminal justice partners (e.g., Department of Corrections; Administrative Office of the Pennsylvania Courts; local probation offices), and opportunities for research collaboration with Penn State faculty.
Background Checks / Clearances Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
Benefits Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees designed to support both personal and professional well‑being. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)
EEO Statement Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
Application Interested candidates must submit an online application and should include a letter of interest and CV. If selected as a finalist for the position, recommendation letters will be requested. Apply online at https://psu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/PSU_Academic/job/Penn-State-University-Park/Postdoctoral-Scholar-in-Sentencing-Research-and-Policy_REQ_0000074514-1
Campus Security Statistics Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
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A Ph.D. in criminal justice, criminology, sociology, economics, public policy, or a related field is required at time of appointment.
Preference will be given to candidates with advanced training in statistics, experience working with large administrative datasets, and/or an exemplary interest in applied research, and to those with research interests in courts or sentencing and with a knowledge of, or practical experience with, program evaluation.
Key Responsibilities
Collaborate with PCS staff to address legislative mandates.
Empirically assess sentencing policy and/or conduct program evaluations (e.g., examining the effectiveness of state and county sentencing programs).
Work closely with criminal justice stakeholders.
Assist in data collection and data management.
Prepare grant proposals, manuscripts, and conference presentations.
Participate in graduate student mentoring.
In addition to Commission‑specific projects, the scholar will have flexibility to conduct independent research related to sentencing, access to Commission data and data from other criminal justice partners (e.g., Department of Corrections; Administrative Office of the Pennsylvania Courts; local probation offices), and opportunities for research collaboration with Penn State faculty.
Background Checks / Clearances Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
Benefits Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees designed to support both personal and professional well‑being. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)
EEO Statement Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
Application Interested candidates must submit an online application and should include a letter of interest and CV. If selected as a finalist for the position, recommendation letters will be requested. Apply online at https://psu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/PSU_Academic/job/Penn-State-University-Park/Postdoctoral-Scholar-in-Sentencing-Research-and-Policy_REQ_0000074514-1
Campus Security Statistics Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
#J-18808-Ljbffr