What are the responsibilities and job description for the Deputy Director, Research Division position at Judicial Branch - Agency Wide?

Summary

The Federal Judicial Center (Center) is the federal courts' agency for research and continuing education. Congress established the Center in 1967 as a separate organization within the federal judicial system at the request of the Judicial Conference of the United States. A nine-member board, chaired by the Chief Justice of the United States, determines its basic policies.

This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Duties

The Research Division conducts empirical research on the operation of the federal courts, especially at the request of committees of the Judicial Conference, and promotes such research by other public and private persons and entities. Its role is to provide accurate and objective information to facilitate thorough and candid analysis of judiciary policies, practices, and procedures.

The Division's interdisciplinary staff designs and implements studies and prepares research reports, and also produces resources for judges and the judiciary on legal developments, case management, and other topics.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

The deputy director reports to the division director and helps the division director oversee operations of the division and assists with its day-to-day management. This includes :

Helping to lead a group of highly talented researchers in conducting social scientific and law-related research aimed at identifying innovative or improved approaches to judicial administration in the federal court system, including appellate, district, and bankruptcy courts.

Providing constructive feedback on all aspects of research projects to ensure their quality, responsiveness, clarity, and timeliness.

Providing similar feedback on the development of educational resources developed for judges and the judiciary.

Monitoring staff assignments, promoting both individual contributions and accountability and internal collaboration.

Assisting the division director with communicating and implementing Center policies and procedures, including those related to work schedules, leave, travel, professional development, outside publication, and outside teaching and employment.

Interacting with judges and others in the judiciary, and with attorneys, academics, government officials, and others outside the judiciary.

Representing the Federal Judicial Center at Judicial Conference committee meetings and other venues.

Performing other duties as assigned by the Research Division Director.

The position requires some travel.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

KEY REQUIREMENTS :

Selectee must be a United States Citizen, subject to the exceptions enumerated at https : / / www.uscourts.gov / careers / search-judiciary-jobs / citizenship-requirements-employment-judiciary.

Selectee must favorably complete a background investigation.

Relatives of Center staff members may not be employed at the Center in any capacity.

All requirements must be met for full consideration.

The Federal Judicial Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to achieving a diverse workforce and an inclusive work culture. It strives to maintain a professional and collegial workplace in which everyone is valued and treated fairly and respectfully.

Qualifications

MANDATORY QUALIFICATIONS :

Ph.D. in a social or behavioral science discipline or a J.D.

At least five years of leadership experience demonstrating competency for the position

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS :

A successful candidate should have a strong combination of the following qualifications :

Knowledge of scientific research methods, principles, and techniques

Law practice experience, especially in litigation and the federal courts

Knowledge of federal court structure, governance, and operations

Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills

Excellent writing and oral presentation skills

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Experience implementing personnel policies

Education

Ph.D. in a social or behavioral science discipline or a J.D.

Additional information

The starting salary is set at $150,783 (includes 2025 D.C. locality). This position falls in the Center's pay band 6, which has a salary range up to $227,608 (includes D.C. locality). For a successful candidate not currently a member of the Center staff, a higher starting salary, not to exceed $188,479 (includes 2025 D.C. locality) may be considered if the candidate furnishes proof that their current salary falls above the pay band 6 minimum salary of $150,783 (includes 2025 D.C. locality), in which case the Center would match that salary up to the starting salary limit of $188,479 (includes 2025 D.C. locality). This is the maximum starting salary, and it is non-negotiable. If a successful internal candidate's salary falls above the range minimum, the salary will be matched up to their current salary.

Federal government benefits are applicable. An array of supplemental benefits is also offered, including a transportation subsidy and a flexible benefit program allowing for pre-tax deductions for health insurance, health care, dependent care, and commuter expenses. The FJC is in the Thurgood Marshall Federal Judiciary Building, conveniently situated to public transportation directly beside Union Station. The Marshall Building houses a child development center, a health fitness facility, and a cafeteria for its tenants.

The Federal Judicial Center offers a range of telework and flexible work schedule options based on the employee's position categorization. This position requires working at the Marshall Building on a regular schedule and permits some telework. When business needs arise, all Center employees are required to work at the Marshall Building. The Center does not pay for relocation expenses; however, Center employees receive reimbursement for all official business travel.

This position does not carry the tenure rights of positions in the competitive civil service.

Benefits

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How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Selected applicants will be evaluated based upon the question responses provided during a structured interview.

Benefits

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Required Documents

As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

Please see the "How to Apply" section.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements :

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and / or degrees from

schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

In a brief cover letter referring to Announcement #25-04, please summarize how you satisfy the qualifications listed above. Applications without the required cover letter or with cover letters that do not address the qualifications will not be considered. Along with the cover letter, please include a current resume that specifies dates of employment and responsibilities for all related positions, a writing sample that demonstrates your ability to communicate to a non-expert audience research findings related to policy or programmatic outcomes, and a statement of no more than two double-spaced pages describing how you would approach leading a team of social science researchers. Please submit the required documents in one combined PDF document. Name the file using your last name, first name, and the announcement number, as follows :

Lastname.Firstname.25-04.pdf. Any information provided in the transmittal email will not be considered part of the application.

All applications should be submitted by email to personnel@fjc.gov .

When applying, please refer to Announcement #25-04. To assure full consideration, your application must be received by 11 : 59 p.m. on March 7, 2025.

Agency contact information

Elia Bendavid

personnel@fjc.gov

Address

Federal Judicial Center

Thurgood Marshall Federal Judiciary Building

One Columbus Circle, N.E.

Washington, DC 20002-8003

Next steps

Complete applications will be evaluated based on qualifications. The hiring manager will consider the most highly qualified candidates for a possible interview. Applicants will be notified by e-mail once the position has been filled.

Fair and Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Criminal history inquiries

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

Financial suitability

New employee probationary period

Privacy Act

Reasonable accommodation policy

Selective Service

Signature and false statements

Social security number request