A consortium of researchers dedicated to improving the understanding of the human causes and consequences of terrorism

JOB OPPORTUNITY: Junior Radicalization Researcher

View Junior Radicalization Researcher application.

The National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START) is now hiring a Junior Radicalization Researcher to work at START’s headquarters at the University of Maryland, College Park. This is a full-time position, with an initial term of 12 months (start date of October 22 preferred, although as late as November 1 potentially possible).

START is a multi-university consortium of researchers focused on the causes and consequences of terrorism and other non-state security threats and headquartered at the University of Maryland in College Park, MD. The Empirical Assessment of Domestic Radicalization (EADR) project seeks to test extant theories and generate new knowledge about the radicalization process through the construction of a database known as Profiles of Individual Radicalization in the United States (PIRUS) and a large number of structured case studies.

PIRUS consists of extremists who were radicalized within the United States to the point of committing ideologically inspired violent or non-violent illegal acts. The case studies consist of in-depth profiles of individuals’ trajectories into extremism and the factors and mechanisms that facilitated changes in beliefs and behaviors over time.

The primary responsibilities of this position include:

  • Establishing expertise on data collection and coding practices for PIRUS
  • Overseeing the day-to-day collection and management of data
  • Performing quality control assessments of coded data
  • Assisting the project manager in training and supervision of interns
  • Editing and potentially contributing to case studies, deliverables, and academic papers

Minimum qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree with extensive coursework related to terrorism and political violence
  • 1+ years systematic data collection and/or social science coding experience
  • Training in quantitative research methods
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, formulas, and data sorting/filtering
  • Willingness to learn or prior experience with Microsoft SharePoint for project management
  • Desire and ability to work in a team setting and assist with the supervision of 15+ interns
  • Ability to meet strict deadlines
  • Strong writing skills

Preferred qualifications:

  • Master’s degree in discipline related to terrorism and political violence
  • Interest in the academic study of terrorism and political violence, including motivation to publish in academic outlets
  • Training in qualitative research methods
  • Experience with statistical software such as SPSS, Stata, or R
  • Experience with Microsoft Access

Additional information: The annual salary for this position will be in the range of $37,000 to $47,000 (depending on education and experience), plus full University of Maryland benefits (as explained at http://www.uhr.umd.edu/documents/new_hire_overview_exempt-faculty_rev_112508.pdf).

The person selected for this position will work on site at START’s headquarters on campus at the University of Maryland, College Park, and will report directly to the EADR Project Manager/Senior Researcher.

Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter, resumé, and short (3-5) page writing sample. Applicants should also provide contact information for three professional references.

Apply for the position.