Computer Scientist

Online applications must be received before 12:00am on:

March 18, 2025

If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.

Available Title(s):

1496-NN_ADMINPRO - Business Data Analyst, 1496-YN_ADMINPRO - Business Data Analyst

Business Title:

Computer Scientist

Employee Type:

Admin. Professional

Position Details:

The Opportunity:

Driven by groundbreaking research and guided by esteemed faculty, the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology at Washington State University (WSU) fosters a dynamic and engaging educational experience. Students and faculty alike contribute to meaningful advancements in the field, solidifying WSU as a leading institution for criminal justice and criminology education

As a Computer Scientist, contributing to the development and maintenance of open-source software tools designed for analyzing body-worn camera footage and other relevant data. Your role will involve documenting and publishing code, models, and datasets in line with open-source best practices, engaging with the open-source community through contributions, presentations, and online forums. Your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to: 

• Develop and deploy machine learning models for audio and computer vision applications, including object detection, movement-based recognition, sound-based detection of critical incidents, and other visual-based applications.

• Design, implement, and deploy machine learning pipelines for audio and computer vision applications, including biometric data processing (e.g., movement, expressions, and speaker identification).

• Build and maintain data pipelines for audio, computer vision, and biometric data, ensuring compliance with data security and privacy standards.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to refine analysis methods, develop evidence-based guidelines, ensure findings are generalizable and actionable, and prepare regular reports summarizing project findings and recommendations.

• Support the preparation and submission of grant proposals to secure funding for audio, computer vision, and biometric data projects.

• Contribute to the writing and submission of manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed academic journals.

• Develop innovative data-driven solutions for improving police training and risk management outcomes while considering ethical implications and potential biases in algorithms

This is a full time (100% FTE), permanent position. This position is overtime eligible.

Monthly Salary: $5,000 - $6,750 | Commensurate with experience and qualifications

In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.

Benefits: WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts; training and development; and employee tuition waiver. For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for AP staff and Total Compensation.

Required Qualifications:

• Position requires a Bachelor’s degree in a related field AND three (3) years of professional experience in business data analysis or related; OR a combination of education and experience totaling seven (7) years from which comparable knowledge and ability are acquired.

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, statistics, mathematics or related field.

• Completed coursework in machine learning OR contributed to a project involving natural language processing (e.g., course project, open-source contribution).

• Working proficiency in at least one programming language (e.g., Python, Java, C++).

• Familiarity with cloud computing or hybrid computing environments, basic proficiency in designing, implementing, and querying databases.

• Demonstrated communication and teamwork skills.

• Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to complete detailed work accurately.

• Ability to collaborate and network with professionals from diverse backgrounds to drive innovation in data-driven discovery associated with the data project.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Documented proficiency in at least two programming languages (e.g., Python, Java, C++) through certifications, portfolio, or previous work experience.

• Experience with database management systems (e.g., SQL)

• Experience contributing to open-source projects.

• Familiarity with open-source licenses and best practices.

• Experience working with large datasets.

• Familiarity with data modeling techniques and entity-relationship diagrams.

• Experience with machine learning algorithms and natural language processing tools.

• Strong interest in applying computer and data science to social science research.

• Experience working with organizations focused on social good.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

About Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology - Webpage

Rooted in a storied history, the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology at WSU has evolved from its inception in 1935, when President Dr. Ernest O. Holland collaborated with the FBI's first Director, J. Edgar Hoover, to establish a program dedicated to training law enforcement officers. Today, under the legacy of Dr. Vivian Anderson Leonard, the Department transcends traditional boundaries, encompassing every facet of the criminal justice system.

Combining scholarly passion with practical expertise, the Department offers an enriching environment for students to learn, explore, and excel in the expanding field of criminal justice and criminology. With campuses in Pullman, and Vancouver, as well as online options, the Department provides flexible degree programs, including a minor, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.

Additional Information:

College: Arts and Sciences
Department: Criminal Justice and Criminology
Location: Pullman, WA

Application Instructions: Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements.

1) Resume
2) Cover Letter

External candidates, upload all documents in the “Application Document” section of your application.
Current WSU Employees (internal candidates), before starting your Workday application, please use these instructions to update your education and experience in your worker profile in Workday. Internal candidates, upload all documents in the “Resume/Cover Letter” section of your application.

Documents may be submitted as one file or separate files. Applicants are encouraged to upload as a PDF, if possible.

Reference contact information will be requested later in the recruitment process through Workday.

Background Check: This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34, engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.

Time Type:

Full time

Position Term:

12 Month

WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EDUCATOR AND EMPLOYER. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veteran, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply.

WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or hrs@wsu.edu.

Notice of Non-Discrimination

WSU prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates compliant with Title IX. Inquiries regarding Title IX and reports of sex discrimination can be directed to the WSU Title IX Coordinator. More information on WSU’s policies and procedures to respond to discrimination and harassment are available here: Nondiscrimination statement.