CSAP Predoc: Polarization and Inequality in the U.S. Criminal Legal System
Faculty Supervisor:
This position is part of The Center for the Study of American Politics (CSAP) Pre-Doctoral Fellows Program, which is affiliated with the Tobin Center/Economics Pre-Doctoral Fellows Program. The CSAP predoc program provides a high-quality education and training in quantitative political science research for individuals who are considering pursuing a Ph.D. in political science or a closely related discipline. CSAP predocs are invited to participate in all Tobin Center predoc activities. Information about the CSAP predoc program is available at this link.
Project and Position Description:
Professor Harris is seeking a predoctoral research fellow to support a series of projects focused on identifying polarization among criminal legal officials, examining the relationship between polarization and disparities in criminal legal outcomes, and identifying potential mitigation mechanisms. This project includes administrative data collection, cleaning and analysis; qualitative data collection in state criminal legal institutions; and an experiment run in collaboration with a local government office. The predoctoral fellow will assist in coordinating all pieces of the project and managing undergraduate research assistants. The fellow will also provide research assistance for Professor Harris’s work with collaborators through the Expanding Engagement Lab.
Key responsibilities include:
- Quantitative and qualitative data collection
- Assisting with quantitative analysis and data visualization
- Accompanying and providing assistance on visits to research sites
- Managing project timelines and coordinating the work of undergraduate research assistants
- Conducting literature reviews and developing annotated bibliographies
Requisite Skills and Qualifications:
Preferred skills and qualifications include:
- Interest in law and courts, inequality, and the U.S. criminal legal system
- Proficiency in data analysis (using R) and experience working with large datasets
- Excellent organizational and project management skills, with a detail-oriented, proactive approach