Career Center

Research Scientist 2 - Office of Applied Research & Evaluation

(Posting #179-26)

The NJ Department of Children and Families (DCF), Office of Applied Research and Evaluation (OARE) has an opportunity for a Research Scientist 2, who under general supervision of a Research Scientist 1 or other supervisory official, conducts research projects or participates in functional programs; assumes appropriate administrative and scientific duties as delegated; heads complex projects and makes recommendations to the supervisor; does related work. 

This position is located in Trenton, NJ and may be eligible to work remotely for up to two days in a calendar week.

SPECIAL NOTE: This position will independently oversee research projects for the Office of Applied Research & Evaluation with the goal of producing actionable findings to inform policy and programming related to child maltreatment prevention and response, youth mental health, and strengthening families and communities in New Jersey.  This is a fast-paced office with approximately 30 research staff. Anticipated tasks of this position include:

• Independently design and implement complex research projects across the Department using quantitative or mixed methods, in alignment with agency priorities.
• Manage and coordinate research teams consisting of both research and programmatic staff.
• Review, summarize, and communicate findings from relevant scientific and national literature related to research projects.
• Design research protocols.
• Develop and maintain data collection tools, systems, and databases, as needed.
• Oversee and manage fieldwork and data collection efforts of staff, as needed.
• Maintain analytical files including programming code, analytical outputs, and tables with research findings.
• Oversee and conduct analysis of quantitative data, including survey and administrative data, using advanced analytical methods, including regression analyses, and statistical software packages such as SPSS.
• Engage with stakeholder groups to implement research projects, interpret data, and develop recommendations.
• Communicate findings to stakeholders at multiple levels and with various backgrounds through presentations and written products.

NOTE: Applicants are required to submit a completed State of New Jersey Application for Employment with their resume at the time of application.  Failure to do so will result in disqualification for this position. 

REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in a discipline appropriate to the position. A PhD is preferred.

EXPERIENCE: Three (3) years of full-time experience in a field appropriate to the position.

NOTE: A Doctorate in a discipline appropriate to the position may be substituted for two (2) years of experience indicated above.

RESUME NOTE: Eligibility determinations will be based upon information presented on the resume only. Applicants who possess a degree from a college or university outside the United States must provide an evaluation of one’s transcripts from a recognized evaluation service at the time of submission by the above closing date. Failure to do so may result in your ineligibility.

LICENSE:  Appointee will be required to possess a driver’s license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

SALARY - $88,529.64- $130,338.54

IMPORTANT NOTICES

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS: The Department of Children and Families provides many employee benefits, including but not limited to:

• Alternative Workweek Program*
• Deferred Compensation
• Health, Dental and Life Insurance
• Flexible and Health Spending Accounts
• Pension
• Telework*
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Benefit Leave (Vacation, Sick, Administrative Leave)
• 13 Paid Holidays

*Pursuant to Department policy, procedures and/or guidelines

RE-EMPLOYMENT LISTS: Applicable special re-employment list established as a result of a layoff will be used before any appointments are made.

PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS: As a prospective employee of the State of New Jersey, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at StudentAid.gov/PSLF.

VETERANS PREFERENCE: Are you a veteran? If so, proof of your NJ Veterans Preference is required at application. Please provide a copy of your New Jersey Civil Service Commission NOTIFICATION OF VETERANS STATUS along with your cover letter and resume. For information on how to apply for Veterans Preference in the State of NJ, please visit the Civil Service Commission's website at https://nj.gov/csc/jobs/veterans/.

SAME APPLICANTS: If you are applying under the NJ “SAME” program, you must submit any of the supporting documentation specified in N.J.S.A. 11A:7-13.3 along with your resume by the closing date indicated above.

RESIDENCY:  Please refer to the New Jersey Department of Children and Families’ website at https://www.nj.gov/dcf/stay-connected/employment-opportunities/index.shtml

AUTHORIZATION TO WORK: Selected candidates must be authorized to work in the United States according to the Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Regulations. This position does not offer visa sponsorship now or in the future. 

TO APPLY:  You must submit a cover letter and resume as a single PDF document, saving the file by your Last Name, First Name.  Please indicate in your cover letter the Posting # and where you found this job opportunity.  Send the file to: Email:  Job.Posting@dcf.nj.gov   

The Department of Children and Families is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a respectful and inclusive work environment which reflects the diversity of the state we serve.