Position Description

INTRODUCTION

The Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy (IMRP) in the School of Public Policy at the University of Connecticut seeks applicants for an Assistant Research Professor at the UConn Hartford Campus. Area of specialization is open. This is an exciting opportunity for an early career scholar seeking to make an impact in a dynamic policy research environment.

The Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy (IMRP) is a non-partisan, University-based organization dedicated to enriching the quality of local, state, and national public policy. The IMRP aspires to be a respected and visible presence throughout the State of Connecticut, known for its ability to promote, develop, and implement just, effective public policy. The IMRP accomplishes this through a variety of targeted approaches such as: public education and dialogue; published reports, articles, and policy papers; pilot program design, implementation, and oversight; and the facilitation of collaborations between the University, government, private organizations, and the general community. In doing so the IMRP bridges the divide between academia, policymakers, practitioners, and the community.

Under the direction of the Director of Research, the Assistant Research Professor will be responsible for developing technical reports, policy briefs and academic research papers related to IMRP projects, as well as assisting in the creation of new research opportunities. The Assistant Research Professor will also hold a non-tenured research faculty position in the School of Public Policy and will be given the option of teaching an undergraduate or graduate course in the School of Public Policy. In the capacity linked to their faculty appointment (re-teaching or assigned SPP service), they will report to the Director of the School of Public Policy. The Assistant Research Professor is also expected to attend faculty meetings in the School of Public Policy.

The primary focus of this position is on the design, organization, implementation, and management of the project-based research of the IMRP. The successful candidate will be responsible for assisting with a diverse range of projects and assisting with the day-to-day research activities of these projects. The successful candidate will also contribute to the Children with Incarcerated Parents Initiative, the Racial Profiling Prohibition Project, the International Justice Exchange, the Sentencing Commission, and other projects as assigned by the Director of Research in consultation with the IMRP Director and IMRP project managers.

Founded in 1881, UConn is a Land Grant and Sea Grant institution and member of the Space Grant Consortium. It is the state’s flagship institution of higher education and includes a main campus in Storrs, CT, four regional campuses throughout the state, and 13 Schools and Colleges, including a Law School in Hartford, and Medical and Dental Schools at the UConn Health campus in Farmington. The University has approximately 10,000 faculty and staff and 32,000 students, including nearly 24,000 undergraduates and over 8,000 graduate and professional students. UConn is a Carnegie Foundation R1 (highest research activity) institution, among the top 25 public universities in the nation. Through research, teaching, service, and outreach, UConn embraces diversity and cultivates leadership, integrity, and engaged citizenship in its students, faculty, staff, and alumni. UConn promotes the health and well-being of citizens by enhancing the social, economic, cultural, and natural environments of the state and beyond. The University serves as a beacon of academic and research excellence as well as a center for innovation and social service to communities. UConn is a leader in many scholarly, research, and innovation areas. Today, the path forward includes exciting opportunities and notable challenges. Record numbers of undergraduate applications and support for student success have enabled the University to become extraordinarily selective.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conducting and/or managing data analysis as needed for research projects conducted by IMRP.
• Managing graduate/undergraduate students as assigned by the Director of Research.
• Organizing and managing current and new research activities of the Institute.
• Assisting with internal and external partnerships and serving as a resource to governmental and non-governmental organizations on matters related to the Institute’s research projects and activities.
• Assisting with the presentation of information and research to Commissions, Councils, Committees of the Legislature, Boards of Directors, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Submitting and presenting research at state, regional, and national professional and scholarly conferences.
• Other research duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Research.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. degree in public policy, public administration, public health, criminology, sociology, economics, political science, or a related field. While ABD candidates will be considered, the Ph.D. must be in hand at the time of appointment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with a diverse population of faculty, staff, students, and administrators as well as internal and external partners, and the public.
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated excellence in quantitative and qualitative data analysis and research design.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A minimum of 2 years of applied or scholarly research experience.
• Successful authorship (or co-authorship) of at least one peer-reviewed academic publication.
• Experience in conducting policy research.
• Experience with funded research projects.
• Experience working in a university setting.
• Experience working in a state governmental (legislative, executive, judicial) setting.
• Experience developing and maintaining relationships with community partners.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, 11-month, non-tenure-track position with an anticipated start date of August 23, 2024. The successful candidate’s academic appointment will be at the Hartford campus. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online to Academic Jobs Online https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/27335 and submit the following application materials:

• A cover letter,
• Curriculum vitae,
• Research statement;
• Commitment to diversity statement;
• 3 letters of reference.

Evaluation of applicants will begin immediately. For more information regarding the School of Public Policy please visit the School' website at https://publicpolicy.uconn.edu/.

At the University of Connecticut, our commitment to excellence is complemented by our commitment to building a culturally diverse community.

This position will be filled subject to budgetary approval.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.