The University of Virginia School of Law invites applications for a full-time Pre-Doctoral Research Assistant in Law & Economics to work with Associate Professor of Law, Megan Stevenson, on quantitative empirical research on the criminal legal system for a period of up to two years. The University of Virginia School of Law is consistently recognized as one of the top law schools in the country. The environment at the Law School is both active and supportive, with a strong sense of collegiality among students, faculty, and staff and a commitment to excellence and service.

The primary research project is tied to an Arnold Ventures grant and will focus on the long-term socioeconomic impacts of incarceration. Collaborators on this research project include economists John Eric Humphries (Yale University), Aurelie Ouss (University of Pennsylvania), and Winnie van Dijk (Harvard University). The position entails tasks such as collecting, cleaning, and analyzing data, developing statistical models, writing literature reviews, and editing research papers. Because a large portion of the work will entail data analysis, a good understanding of econometric methods, as well as programming experience in Stata and/or R is expected.

This position offers an excellent opportunity for training in and exposure to rigorous econometric research as it applies to criminal legal reform. It is particularly well-suited for two types of individuals: those interested in pursuing an academic career path, or those hoping to launch a career using data analytics for social change. For those considering an academic path, the position offers experience that will prepare them for a PhD in Economics or an SJD/PhD in Law. For those interested in using data analytics for social change, the position offers hands-on experience that could prepare them for careers in nonprofits, philanthropic organizations, research consultancies, or the government. Applications from groups traditionally under-represented in law & economics are particularly encouraged to apply.

The position will be based at the University of Virginia School of Law to allow the Pre-Doctoral Research Assistant the opportunity to integrate with the academic community at the Law School and the University, and to develop their skills as a researcher. The anticipated start date is May or June 2023, with some flexibility. This is a restricted position contingent on funding and performance. This position requires most work to be performed in person at the Law School, with the opportunity to perform a limited amount of work remotely in accordance with Law School policy.

Anticipated compensation is $56,000 with UVA benefits.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree.
• Experience doing statistical coding in Stata and/or R. Short-listed applicants will be asked to complete a coding exercise.
• Solid understanding of econometric methods.
• Demonstrated interest in criminal legal reform.

Short-listed applicants will be contacted and asked to complete a coding exercise and will then be invited to a (remote) interview. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

The School of Law is located in Charlottesville, VA, a college town setting with natural beauty and significant historical relevance in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Charlottesville is a wonderful place to live with an extraordinary quality of life, often ranked among the best places to live in the United States.

For more information about UVA and the Charlottesville community please see http://www.virginia.edu/life/charlottesville and https://embarkcva.com/.

The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.

Questions regarding the position should be directed to Professor Megan T. Stevenson, at mstevenson@law.virginia.edu. Questions regarding the application process should be directed to Marcus Rozier, Academic Recruiter, at hjv5vm@virginia.edu.

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