Postdoctoral Fellow of Mixed-Methods, Community-Based Gun Violence
The Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice (CCJS) at the University of Maryland, College Park invites applications for a fully funded, Postdoctoral Associate to conduct gun violence research within a rich intellectual community of scholars committed to improved public safety in the region (e.g., Baltimore City, District of Columbia, and Prince George’s County). The successful candidate will work under the direct mentorship of Dr. Rod K. Brunson, a leading scholar in the area of illegal firearm use and its harmful consequences for community residents, victims, and perpetrators.
The Postdoctoral Associate will be a member of CCJS, one of the nation’s premiere criminology and criminal justice programs. The Department has long led the field of criminology in generating real-world solutions to crime and remains a valued resource of the University and its community partners.
The Postdoctoral Associate will be expected to substantively contribute to all facets of the research enterprise, including developing study designs, IRB protocol submission, identifying potential external funding, conducting face-to-face interviews, administering surveys, data management, manuscript preparation, and dissemination of study findings. While the position is based on the College Park campus, the postdoc will spend considerable time working in impacted local communities, building key relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including residents of traditionally underserved neighborhoods, public safety officials, and leaders of key grassroots organizations. The preferred candidate will have a proven ability to conduct culturally sensitive research with individuals disproportionately impacted by gun violence.
The appointment is for two years, contingent on continued satisfactory performance. This is not a remote/telework position, and is only open to Maryland residents and those of contiguous states (VA, WV, DE, and PA), as well as Washington, D.C.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education and Experience
Ph.D. in Criminology, Criminal Justice or a related field, awarded within the past 5 years. The candidate cannot have held another postdoc appointment for more than 6 years and cannot have held a tenure-track professional appointment.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
-Excellent organizational, verbal, and written communication skills in English.
-Experience using data management and analytical software
-Extensive knowledge of published research on the causes and correlates of U.S. gun violence
-Strong conceptual, analytical, and qualitative interview skills
Physical Demands: N/A
Preferences: -Capacity to publish research findings in top-tier, peer-reviewed social science publication outlets
-Demonstrated ability to conduct culturally sensitive research with vulnerable populations on sensitive matters
Licenses/ Certifications: N/AAdditional Job Details
Required Application Materials: Letter of interest, current CV, contact information for 3 professional references (and inquiries)
Best Consideration Date: 8/21/2026
Posting Close Date: N/A
Open Until Filled: Yes
For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website.
For more information on Regular Faculty benefits, select this link.
Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.
Employment EligibilityThe successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.
EEO StatementThe University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.
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Skills Required
- Ph.D. in Criminology, Criminal Justice, or related field (awarded within past 5 years)
- Cannot have held another postdoc appointment for more than 6 years or held a tenure-track professional appointment
- Excellent organizational, verbal, and written communication skills in English
- Experience using data management and analytical software
- Extensive knowledge of published research on causes and correlates of U.S. gun violence
- Strong conceptual, analytical, and qualitative interview skills
- Capacity to publish research findings in top-tier, peer-reviewed social science outlets
- Demonstrated ability to conduct culturally sensitive research with vulnerable populations on sensitive matters
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