Job Description

Job Requisition ID: 51484
Closing Date: 03/27/2026
​Agency: Criminal Justice Information Authority
Class Title: RESEARCH SCIENTIST II - 38232
Skill Option: Behavioral Sciences
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated starting salary $5,384 monthly; Full Range $5,384 - $7,631 monthly
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
County: Cook
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME
Merit Comp Code:

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.

Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

The Illinois Department of Human Services has partnered with the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of deflection programs across Illinois. These programs represent a collaborative initiative involving the Illinois Department of Human Services, TASC, and the Illinois State Police, providing deflection and diversion alternatives for individuals with substance use disorders, mental health conditions, or other challenges who come into contact with law enforcement. To lead this important evaluation and supervise junior project staff, ICJIA is seeking an experienced research and project manager. The ideal candidate will possess strong social science research expertise and proven project management skills.

Essential Functions

• Plans and executes research, program evaluation, and project management activities of a technical and scientific nature to advance knowledge and programming in areas such as criminology, specifically law enforcement deflection and diversion; public and behavioral health, victim studies, and violence prevention in the state of Illinois
• Performs on-site data collection, cleaning, and analysis of complex, scientific and technical data
• Disseminates scientific and technical data and reports
• Establishes and maintains work-related professional contacts with internal and external entities including researchers and other professionals such as university and community organizations

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires a master’s degree in anthropology, behavioral science, computer science, data science, demography, information science, library science, mathematics, psychology, public health, public policy, sociology, criminal justice, criminology, statistics, or a related science; OR requires admission into a Ph.D. program in anthropology, behavioral science, computer science, data science, demography, information science, library science, mathematics, psychology, public health, public policy, sociology, criminal justice, criminology, statistics, or a related science.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers 1 year of experience performing scientific research or program evaluation using scientific research methods
• Prefers 1 year of experience preparing reports (planning, writing, analyzing data, interpreting data) on independent and origianl scientific research
• Prefers 1 year of experience using specialized statistical computer software (like SPSS, R) and working with large datasets
• Prefers 1 year of experience managing research studies or program evaluations and leading a project tem of junior staff
• Prefers 1 year of experience delivering presentations to various professional and lay groups
• Prefers 1 year of experience maintaining and guiding working relationships wit other researchers, professionals, and various other agency staff

Conditions of Employment

• Requires proper documentation for approved work in the United States
• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate
• Requires a valid and current driver’s license
• Requires ability to pass a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history

The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

About the Agency

ICJIA responds to community needs with research and federal and state grants administration. ICJIA administers over 100 million dollars in grants, including the R3 (restore, reinvest, renew) grants (funded through the tax on legalized cannabis), state violence prevention grants, and federal grants including under the Violence Against Women Act and the Victims of Crime Act. ICJIA convenes groups and collaborates on efforts to reform the criminal justice system. ICJIA leads criminal justice reform efforts by supporting policy makers through research.

Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm
Headquarter Location: 60 E Van Buren, Chicago, Illinois, 60605
Work County: Cook
Email: CJA.HRDepartment@illinois.gov
Posting Group: Public Safety

This position DOES NOT contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Use the “Apply” button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process.

If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so.

State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees – a link is available at the top left of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon.

Non-State employees should log in on the using the “View Profile” link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account.

If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources:

State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid

Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com – click “Application Procedures” in the footer of every page of the website.

REVOLVING DOOR:

Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result,the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during State employment or within one yearimmediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-Stateemployment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor(“OEIG”) or may be subject to a fine.

The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:

• donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
• systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com