Position: Research Scientist with focus on Experimental, Geospatial , Environmental, Situational Criminology

Organization: The Loss Prevention Research Council (LPRC) is a membership-based research organization dedicated to protecting vulnerable people and places through high-quality and innovative research on theft, fraud, violence, and safety. We work with nearly 100 retail companies, including major brands like Home Depot, Publix, Bloomingdales, Kroger, Target, TJ Maxx, Circle K, and Walmart; as well as over 140 technology companies such as AT&T Business, Axon, Axis Communications, ESRI, NVIDIA, and Motorola.

Position Overview: The LPRC is seeking a skilled and motivated Research Scientist to lead rigorous research focused on situational and environmental crime prevention. This position will play a critical role in designing and conducting research aimed at understanding and reducing crime in retail settings and the communities they serve. The Research Scientist will also contribute to the LPRC’s SaferPlaces initiatives and INNOVATE Labs, which explore cutting-edge technologies and strategies to improve security and safety in retail settings.

Key Responsibilities:

· Design and conduct research using experimental and quasi-experimental geospatial methods

· Perform spatial and geographic analyses of crime data using GIS tools

· Develop and apply statistical models to explain or predict crime patterns

· Lead research on offender decision-making and crime-scripting, especially as these relate to macro-level patterns in offending

· Manage multiple research projects simultaneously, ensuring timely and accurate reporting

· Engage with key stakeholders, including retail leaders, law enforcement, and community members

· Present research findings to practitioners, including retail industry executives, policymakers, and law enforcement

Qualifications:

· Master’s degree or higher in criminology, criminal justice, data science, geography, or a related field.

· Advanced coursework in quantitative research methods, statistics, or data analysis.

· Demonstrated ability to use statistical software such as R, Stata, SPSS, and ArcGIS.

· Strong understanding of social scientific research design and methodologies.

· Proven ability to publish peer-reviewed research and present findings clearly to diverse audiences.

· Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple complex projects.

Preferred Skills:

· Expertise is spatial crime analysis, GIS, and crime mapping.

· Experience conducting violent crime research and analyzing crime investigations.

· Background in crime analysis or loss prevention research.

· Familiarity with data analytics and business intelligence tools.

· Knowledge of innovative technologies for crime prevention (e.g., license plate readers, body-worn cameras, and advanced computer vision analytics).

Position Details:

· Title: Research Scientist II

· Location: Gainesville, Florida (on-site required)

· Starting Salary: $60,000+ (commensurate with experience)

· Benefits: health insurance contributions, SEP-IRA contributions after one year, vacation after 90 days, annual bonus eligibility

How to Apply:

· Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and experience for this position to the Director of Research, Dr. Cory Lowe (cory@lpresearch.org), and Executive Director, Dr. Read Hayes (rhayes@lpresearch.org).

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Research Scientist