The NJ Department of Children and Families (DCF), Office of Applied Research and Evaluation (OARE) seeks 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 (2) days in a calendar week.

RESPONSIBILITIES 

This position will independently oversee research and program evaluation projects with the goal of producing actionable findings to inform the prevention of child maltreatment and to strengthen families in New Jersey. This is a fast-paced office with over 20 research staff. Anticipated tasks of this position include:

* Independently design and implement complex research and program evaluation projects across the Department using quantitative, qualitative, 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 transcripts, field notes, programming code, analytical outputs, and tables with research findings.

* Oversee and conduct analysis of quantitative 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.

REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in a discipline appropriate to the position. 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. Successful candidates will have strong problem-solving and communication skills, enjoy working in teams in a fast-paced environment, and be passionate about conducting research with real-world impact.

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.

SALARY: $85,535.88 - $121,091.47

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:

Job.Posting@dcf.nj.gov

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.

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 http://www.state.nj.us/csc/seekers/veterans.

SAME APPLICANTS: If you are applying under the NJ “SAME” program, your supporting documents (Schedule A or B letter), must be submitted along with your resume by the closing date indicated above. For more information on the SAME Program visit their Website at: https://nj.gov/csc/same/overview/index.shtml, email: CSC-SAME@csc.nj.gov, or call CSC at (609) 292-4144, option 3.

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

UNIT SCOPE: Any appointments made from postings which involve movement between unit scopes may result in a forfeiture of rights to any promotional list in a former unit scope. A complete list of DCF unit scopes can be found at:

https://www.nj.gov/dcf/about/employment/dcf/DCF_UNIT_SCOPE_LIST_11.15.2024.pdf

RESIDENCY LAW:  Please refer to the New Jersey Department of Children and Families’ website at: https://www.nj.gov/dcf/about/employment/dcf/.

IMPORTANT NOTICES

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS: The Department of Children and Families provides many employee benefits including:

• Alternative Workweek Program*
• Telework*
• Deferred Compensation
• Health, Dental and Life insurance
• Flexible and Health Spending Accounts (FSA/HSA)
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness

* Pursuant to Department policy, procedures and/or guidelines 

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.