Principal Research Associate

MD - Bethesda Principal Research Associate29780BR

Westat is a leader in research, data collection and analysis, technical assistance, evaluation, and communications. Our evidence-based findings help clients in government and the private sector accelerate advancements in health, education, transportation, and social and economic policy. Our dedication to improving lives through research and our approach to projects grounded in investigative curiosity, statistical and data rigor, adaptive methods, and advanced technology are why clients find exceptional value in our work.

Job Summary:

Westat is seeking a part-time Principal Research Associate who is a subject matter expert -to work with other project staff on the redesign components of the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS). Extensive knowledge of the legacy and redesigned questionnaire for the NCVS is required. Specifically, this position will involve sample analysis, questionnaire design, and technical writing for data users. This position will also involve direct interaction with BJS to advise on specific issues related to the survey questionnaire. It is anticipated that you will work 15 hours per week and the duration of this work is from October 2026 through July 2, 2027.

This position requires working onsite at our Bethesda, Maryland office 2 days per week.

Job Responsibilities:

• Analyze the differences between the legacy (pre-2024) and the redesigned (2024 and later) questionnaire for the NCVS. This requires compiling the results from two different, complex, questionnaires, both past and forthcoming, to compare along the major dimensions and explain why differences appear between questionnaires and the reasons for the changes. Examples include looking at the differences in:
• the screener
• definitions of force
• definitions of the 32 types of crimes
• definitions of self-defense
• definitions of police notification
• Advise BJS on reconciling problem cases with the new questionnaire.
• Answer questions from BJS related to the rationale for making specific changes in the redesigned questionnaire from looking at differences between past and forthcoming versions of the questionnaires.
• Writing technical documentation for users of NCVS data for purposes of statistical analyses.

Basic Qualifications:

• A master's degree in Survey Methodology or related field.
• 15+ years of experience to include in-depth knowledge of National Crime Victimization Survey instrument.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous work on NCVS Instrument Redesign and Testing Project.

Any offer of employment may be contingent upon receipt of acceptable results from a post-offer background screening, if required for the specific position, which may include, for example, identity verification, employment history, motor vehicle driving record history, and criminal or sexual offender records history. Any background screening results will be evaluated through an individualized assessment based on the individual's specific record and the duties and requirements of the position.

This opportunity will be posted for a minimum of 5 days and may be removed from posting after 100 applications have been received.

Employment Eligibility: This is a U.S.-based position. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Westat does not offer employment-based visa sponsorship (including H-1B sponsorship) for this role. Depending on project requirements, some positions may require employees to meet specific residency criteria.

Westat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable law. It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

The hourly pay rate is $75.00 per hour.No943014No5197244110.00.001-Oct-2026