This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/532733000. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
The Research Associate (RA) assists research staff in the preparation and analysis of data for monitoring the application of the federal sentencing guidelines and for other related Commission or criminal justice research. The RA may also assist on the work of Commission policy teams or congressional report projects by generating tables and graphics, assisting with designing coding instruments, and writing SAS programs for both data quality control and data analysis of data produced by the team.
Learn more about this agency05/06/2019 to 05/27/2019
$57,510 - $74,759 per year
JS 9
No
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
No
Permanent
Full-Time
Excepted
12
No
No
19-16
532733000
THE OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DATA (ORD) is the largest unit in the Commission, with approximately 45 employees. Staff collect data from sentencing documents which are submitted electronically by federal courts around the country. ORD staff provide statistical analyses to the Commissioners about the nature and extent of federal crime, the people who commit those crimes, and how the federal sentencing guidelines are applied in criminal cases. ORD's analyses are a key part of the Commission's decision-making process about changes to the guidelines. ORD analyses are also used in various publicly available publications such as the Sourcebook of Federal Sentencing Statistics, Quarterly Sentencing Updates, Quick Facts, and various reports to Congress.
The incumbent will work with research staff to:
In order to be considered for this position, applicants must address the following KSAs in the questionnaire on USAJOBS as a separate submission from the resume and cover letter:
- Experience in collecting, entering, documenting, or editing original data.
- Experience with manipulating, and analyzing quantitative data such as subsetting datafiles, creating collapsed or dummy variables, and matching or merging datafiles.
- Experience with quantitative analyses techniques, such as descriptive and inferential statistics.
- Proficiency using Microsoft Word, or comparable word processing software, specifically editing text as well as creating and/or inserting tables, charts, and other objects into text.
- Experience using EXCEL or a comparable spreadsheet software program, specifically creating or editing tables and charts and using formulas.
- Experience using PowerPoint to make presentations which include data graphics.
- Describe experience with any statistical software packages (i.e., SAS, SPSS, or STATA), specifically including any experience writing syntax code.
- Ability to work well in a team setting.
Applicants must have a master's degree from an accredited university or college in criminology, sociology, or a related empirical social science.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
The Commission evaluates applicants through a structured interview. Applicants may also be screened for some jobs through a narrative/application review, and/or a preliminary telephone interview. Applicants who do not address the qualification requirements (mandatory and preferred) in his or her application materials as stated in the vacancy announcement are automatically disqualified from consideration and must re-apply before the closing date to be considered for employment.
The Office of Human Resources:
1.) Cover Letter
2.) Resume
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
In order to be considered, all applicants must submit an electronic resume and cover letter that address all of the qualification requirements listed in this announcement, and if available, provide college transcripts. Please click the "Apply" button at the top of this screen to submit your application.
Applicants who meet the mandatory qualification requirements will be considered and their application materials will be forwarded to the screening panel for review. Applicants who do not meet the mandatory qualification requirements for the position are automatically disqualified from consideration. In addition, some applicants may be tested using various assessment tools not listed on the vacancy announcement to verify an applicant's experience, knowledge, and training directly related to the job in order to identify the best qualified applicants for consideration and selection.
After a review of your complete application is made you will be notified of your eligibility and referral to the hiring official if determined qualified. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/532733000. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
Learn more about
The United States Sentencing Commission is an independent federal agency in the Judicial Branch of government consisting of seven members appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate and two non-voting ex-officio members. The agency staff consists of approximately 100 employees. The Commission develops and revises guidelines for federal district court judges to consider in sentencing offenders convicted of federal crimes. The Commission monitors and evaluates the use of the guidelines, conducts research and education programs on guideline application and sentencing matters generally, produces sentencing-related reports, and recommends improvements in federal sentencing practices and policies.
The Commission is conveniently located next to Union Station on Capitol Hill, and is easily accessible by public transportation, including the Metro, and the MARC and VRE commuter trains. In addition to the federal benefits package, the Commission's location in the Thurgood Marshall Federal Judiciary Building offers various amenities such as an on-site fitness center, health unit, credit union, day care center, and cafeteria.