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Specialist - Technology and Human Rights Center - School of Law

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Position description

Position: Specialist, Human Rights Center, School of Law
Location: Berkeley, CA
Salary: $85,000 - $98,000 (100% time position)
Anticipated Start Date: September 1, 2017
This is a one-year contract position.

Position Overview

Berkeley Law and the Human Rights Center (HRC) are pleased to announce their search for applicants for the position of Technology and Human Rights Program Research Director. This is a 100% time, one-year term contract position, with the possibility of renewal contingent upon funding and satisfactory performance.

The Human Rights Center (HRC) is a research and training center housed within UC Berkeley School of Law that applies innovative technologies and scientific methods to investigate war crimes and other serious violations of human rights. Based on our findings, we recommend specific policy measures to protect vulnerable populations and hold perpetrators accountable. We train advocates around the world and provide them with the skills and tools necessary to document human rights abuses and turn this information into effective action.

Job Description

The Research Director shapes the research agenda of the center’s Human Rights and Technology Program in partnership with the Human Rights Center’s faculty director and executive director. This includes designing all research studies in partnership with the center’s executive director and faculty director, and coordinating and overseeing directed studies, through which students conduct research relevant to the program’s various projects. The Director works with practitioners, policymakers, and other academics to promote evidence-based policies as well as practice-focused research.

The Research Director’s primary responsibility will be to manage the day-to-day operations of and research associated with the Human Rights Investigations Lab, an entity that trains students to use social media and other publicly-accessible online sources to support human rights advocacy and legal accountability. His/her work will also include designing, implementing and reporting on original studies that add to existing knowledge about ways that digital technologies can be used to enhance the efficiency and efficacy of human rights work more generally. Any multi-year studies may include traditional desk research, ethnographic observation, interviewing, and both qualitative and quantitative analysis. Other outputs may include workshops, white papers, book chapters, amicus curiae briefs, implementation tools, and academic papers. The Research Director may also engage in technical support for practitioners involved in investigation, prosecution, and law-making.

The position also involves: primary responsibility in providing policy recommendations to government and non-government actors tasked with addressing technology-related issues in the human rights space; testifying in front of Congress and other government bodies as requested; providing technical support related to war crimes investigation and prosecution efforts; coordinating and directing teams of researchers, including both professionals and students; and speaking as an expert on program-related findings and issues with the media, funders, and other strategic partners.

The Research Director is expected to conduct research and publication, including a minimum of one report and one scholarly article or book chapter per year. He/she will also be expected to draft policy papers and/or op-eds as needed.

The Director is expected to coordinate and direct teams of researchers, including professional research staff and students. The number and time of supervisees may vary, but the Research Director is generally expected to supervise at least two student researchers working at least 50 percent time and/or a post-doctoral fellow at 100% time. The Research Director will also coordinate among diverse independent contractors who may be hired to provide research and other support.

If you have questions about the position, please contact academicpositions@law.berkeley.edu. For more information on the Human Rights Center, please visit https://www.law.berkeley.edu/research/human-rights-center/ .

Minimum Qualifications Required (at the time of application):

• Candidate must hold a JD degree or equivalent degree; OR
Candidate must hold a MA or equivalent degree, or a PhD or equivalent degree, in the social sciences or related fields.

Additional Qualifications (by start date):

• Candidate must possess a minimum of five years’ experience in doctrinal and/or social science research and/or open source investigations, as well as a minimum of three years of experience within the human rights and technology space, and a working understanding of international law and/or practice.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Academic background and experience in human rights, international law, cybersecurity and/or related research;
• Understanding of theory and practice related to international criminal law;
• Knowledge of administrative, budgetary, human resources and financial principles and practices;
• Advanced oral and written communication skills;
• Exceptional writing and speaking skills; ability to think creatively and independently on concepts requiring advanced analytical skills;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse groups to achieve results;
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external peers and managers;
• Fundraising skills and experience;
• Ability to design, implement and supervise complex studies investigating diverse social phenomena;
• Ability to conduct legal and/or social science research and analysis;
• Ability to work well as part of a team in a fast-paced environment;
• Ability to mentor graduate and undergraduate students interested in program-related research; and
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally.

Benefits: The University offers excellent health and retirement benefits that can be viewed online at http://atyourservice.ucop.edu/.

Application Procedure: Please visit the following link to apply: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/apply/JPF01418. Applications must include in pdf format a cover letter and a CV.

Applicants must also provide in AP Recruit the names and contact information for three (3) references. The position is open until filled.

Letters of reference, copies of scholarly transcripts and additional materials may be requested of top candidates. All letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a dossier service or career center, to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality (http://apo.berkeley.edu/evalltr.html) prior to submitting their letters.

Berkeley Law is interested in candidates who will contribute to diversity and equal opportunity in higher education through their teaching or research. Qualified women and members of underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter

Reference requirements
  • 3 required (contact information only)

Job location

Berkeley, CA