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Social Science Research Professional 2

Employer
STANFORD UNIVERSITY
Location
California, United States
Closing date
23 Jul 2019

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Academic Discipline
Education, Social Sciences
Job Type
Research Related, Other Research Related
Contract Type
Permanent
Hours
Full Time

JCC: 4187
Grade: G
Exempt, 100% FTE
One year fixed term

JOB PURPOSE:

The Stanford Virtual Human Interaction Lab (VHIL) and the Stanford Center for Social Psychological Answers to Real-world Questions (SPARQ) are collaborating to create an interactive, scenario-based procedural justice training for police officers, leveraging Virtual Reality (VR) technology. VHIL and SPARQ are partnering with a large, local law enforcement agency to design and test the effectiveness of this new VR training. The goal is to leverage VR technology to teach and test techniques that can improve police-community interactions in the field.

The Stanford Communication Department is looking for a full time Social Science Research Professional to function as the Project Manager at the Virtual Human Interaction Lab (VHIL) to oversee and coordinate this project. The Project Manager will work with researchers at VHIL and SPARQ to bring this project through all stages of development, including conceptualization, storyboarding, development oversight, implementation, and testing.

The Project Manager will help to conceptualize different police training modules by spending time at local law enforcement agencies, interacting directly with police officers, and filming preliminary 360 videos. Using this material, the Project Manager will storyboard the VR Police Training Modules. The Project Manager will lead the search and evaluation of outside vendors, and then work directly with the selected vendors to oversee content creation and VR development. Once the training modules are complete, the Project Manager will work with the larger research team to pilot test the VR experience, run experiments, and help integrate the VR Police Training Modules into the agency’s current training curriculum.

Prefer applicants with project management experience, as the role will include managing an internal research team and coordinating outside vendors. As a project manager, applicants should be adaptable, willing to take initiative, and demonstrate strong interpersonal skills.

Prefer applicants with moderate experience in object-oriented programming (Python, C#, or similar) and troubleshooting PC hardware issues (such as upgrading video cards or CPUs). Additionally, applicants should be familiar with virtual reality hardware and software.

Prefer applicants with experience overseeing and executing experimental lab study protocols, including pilot testing.

Prefer applicants who are interested in working with law enforcement and conducting research in the field.

CORE DUTIES*:

  • Assist in designing experiments, exercising independent initiative and judgment gained from completing a variety of high level assignments, including activities such as defining variables, formulating hypotheses, and selecting subjects, sources of information, or planning and coordinating experimental protocols. 
  • Adapt or work out the details of new, nonstandard procedures, with the supervisor providing only general guidance and suggestions.
  • Interpret, synthesize, and analyze data using scientific or statistical techniques.
  • Solve problems, and make decisions which affect the direction of the research and result in independent contributions to the overall project.
  • Select and apply standard calculations and formulas independently to compile data or process documents; often serve as a resource for research methods and numerical analyses.
  • Co-author sections of research publications and regulatory reports as needed.
  • Complete project-related administrative and budgetary responsibilities of a limited scope as needed.
  • Supervise staff or students as needed, including oversight and instruction on techniques, as well as consultation on project work.

Other duties may also be assigned

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education & Experience:

Bachelor of Arts degree in an applicable social science related field and two years applicable experience, or combination of education and relevant experience in an applicable social science.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Comprehensive understanding of scientific theory and methods.
  • General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs.
  • Strong analytical skills and excellent judgment.
  • Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance.
  • Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to complete detailed work accurately.
  • Demonstrated oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work with human study participants.
  • Developing supervisory skills.

Certifications and Licenses:

None

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:

  • Frequently perform desk-based computer tasks, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.
  • Occasionally stand/walk, sit, use a telephone, writing by hand, and sort/file paperwork or parts.
  • Rarely twist/bend/stoop/squat, kneel/crawl, rarely reach/work above shoulders, operate foot and/or hand controls.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • May be exposed to blood borne pathogens.
  • May be required to work non-standard, extended or weekend hours in support of research work.

WORK STANDARDS:

  • Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
  • Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
  • Rarely twist/bend/stoop/squat, kneel/crawl, rarely reach/work above shoulders, operate foot and/or hand controls.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • May be required to work non-standard, extended or weekend hours in support of research work.

WORK STANDARDS:

  • Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
  • Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
  • Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide,http://adminguide.stanford.edu

Final offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of national criminal background check, national sex offender registry search and, where applicable, driving record.

Additional Information

  • Schedule: Full-time
  • Job Code: 4187
  • Employee Status: Fixed-Term
  • Grade: G

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