Research assistant in criminology

Ref no: ORU 2.1.1-01920/2024

We are looking for a research assistant for a fixed-term position in the criminology division at the School of Behavioural, Social and Legal Sciences.

Background

The School of Behavioural, Social and Legal Sciences (BSR) offers courses and study programmes at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels in criminology, psychology, legal science and social work. The school is also host to outstanding research. At BSR, criminology is a multi- and interdisciplinary subject, focusing on the development and causes of crime and on criminal-policy measures taken to prevent and safeguard against crime.

We are now looking for a research assistant in criminology to join the research project Developmental paths of antisocial behavior from early childhood to adolescence: Important factors for increased risk or resilience, funded by the Swedish Research Council. The aim of the project is to explore what developmental paths of crime and antisocial behaviour can be identified from early childhood to adolescence. The project will be carried out using existing data from the SOFIA study, a prospective longitudinal research project that has followed approximately 2,000 children in a Swedish medium-sized municipality from the age of 3–5. So far, data has been collected on six occasions, when parents, teachers and children have responded to questionnaires, most recently when the children were aged 14–16. The project will add crucial knowledge on the development of antisocial behaviour, knowledge that can be used to identify children who are at the highest risk of future antisocial behaviour, children who are more likely to be resilient to such a development, and how can we most effectively prevent a negative development.

The position as research assistant in criminology will be part of the criminology division’s research group CAPS - Center for Criminological and Psychosocial Research. The overall purpose of CAPS is to conduct useful practice-oriented research on norm-breaking, criminal behaviour, and on psychosocial adjustment and development in a broader sense.

Duties and responsibilities

Together with the other project members, the successful candidate will produce scientific studies using large-scale data from a longitudinal research project with the aim of increasing our knowledge of the development of antisocial behaviour from childhood and of the factors that affect this development in different directions. Your main duties will include statistical analyses of longitudinal data, primarily, in SPSS and Mplus. Responsibilities will also include contributions to scientific writing for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals and dissemination of research findings in other channels. You will also have the opportunity to get involved in the research group’s other activities, should you wish to. You will be working in a team as well as independently. Duties and responsibilities include initiating and taking meetings and certain research activities. You will be working closely with the project manager and the other members of the group.

Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in a subject area relevant to the project is a requirement. The following qualifications are considered a particular advantage: a master’s (one or two year) degree or a doctoral degree in subject areas relevant to the project, previous experience of working within higher education, subject knowledge and experience of working with research projects of relevance to the project, as well as research experience that includes statistical analyses using SPSS and MPlus.

We expect that you are flexible, taking a quality-minded and responsible approach to your work. We also expect you to have in-depth and solid knowledge of quantitative research methods and statistical analysis as well as the ability to autonomously plan and organise your work. You must have a good ability to communicate in English, in speech and in writing, as we work in close cooperation with international researchers.

At Örebro University, our vision is to lead towards a knowledge-driven society and our fundamental core values are scientific approach, dedication and participation. As a member of staff, you are expected to have a constructive and professional approach to other staff and students and to share the university’s set of common values.

Information

This is a part-time (30% of full-time working hours) position for a fixed term of 12 months. At Örebro University, salary depends on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience.

For more information about the position, contact Project Manager Louise Frogner tel: + 46 19 30 31 60, email: or Head of Division for criminology Brittany Evans tel: + 46 19 30 12 29, email:

At Örebro University, we expect each member of staff to be open to development and change; take responsibility for their work and performance; demonstrate a keen interest in collaboration and contribute to development; as well as to show respect for others by adopting a constructive and professional approach.

Örebro University actively pursues equal opportunities and gender equality as well as a work environment characterised by openness, trust and respect. We value the qualities that diversity adds to our operations.

Application

The application is made online. Click the button “Apply” to begin the application procedure.

For the application to be complete, the following electronic documents must be included:

• Covering letter, detailing your interest in the position as research assistant in criminology
• CV with a relevant description of your overall qualifications and experience
• Copies of relevant course/degree certificates and references verifying eligibility

Only documents written in Swedish, English, Norwegian and Danish can be reviewed.

The application deadline is 2024-04-30. We look forward to receiving your application!

As we have already made our choices in terms of external collaboration partners and marketing efforts for this recruitment process, we decline any contact with recruitment agencies and advertisers.

As directed by the National Archives of Sweden (Riksarkivet), we are required to deposit one file copy of the application documents, excluding publications, for a period of two years after the appointment decision has gained legal force.