Post Doctoral Associate - Using Virtual Reality for Social and Behavioral Science Research and Evaluation

Description

This posting is for a 1-year postdoctoral fellowship position commencing on July 1, 2024. Our interdisciplinary research team is embarking on a groundbreaking three-year mixed methods study focused on evaluating the effectiveness of law enforcement training. Innovatively, we are using virtual reality (VR) simulations as an evaluation tool, alongside traditional data collection methods such as surveys, observations, interviews, and administrative data. 

We are seeking candidates whose expertise lies at the intersection of behavioral and social sciences, with a keen interest in technology, particularly VR and AI. The successful candidate will spearhead the VR simulation component of the study, including running law enforcement officers through VR simulations and assessing their responses across scenarios. This role presents an exciting opportunity for recent doctoral graduates to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic research environment, with access to real-world data that will inform rigorous research and publications.

This opportunity offers the chance to collaborate with a team of experienced and interdisciplinary researchers, including:

• Dr. Evan Barba, Associate Professor in the Communication, Culture, and Technology Program at Georgetown University
• Dr. Cassandra Ramdath, Director of Research and Evaluation at the Center for Innovations in Community Safety at Georgetown Law (CICS)
• Dr. Andrea Headley, Assistant Professor at the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University

While prior experience in VR and interest in policing or criminal justice is a plus, it is not required. We welcome applicants with strong backgrounds in social and behavioral science, coupled with a demonstrated interest or willingness to engage in human subjects testing using VR. Since the Fellow will be responsible for conducting VR training sessions at partner police departments, approximately 35% travel is required. 

 

Application Instructions

Interested candidates should submit the following materials:

• Cover Letter: one page detailing their interest position and relevant qualifications and experiences.
• Curriculum Vitae: CV outlining academic and professional background plus the names and contact information of three references.
• Writing Sample: A sample that showcases previous research such as a dissertation proposal, dissertation chapters (e.g. methods or findings sections), or a published journal article.

Submission Deadline: All application materials must be received by May 1, 2024. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with interviews beginning in April.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Georgetown University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer fully dedicated to achieving a diverse faculty and staff.  All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and expression, and sexual orientation), disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please click here for more information, or contact the Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity & Affirmative Action (IDEAA) at (202) 687-4798.