Summer 2025 - Research Intern, Beyond Jails Initiative

Vera Institute of Justice

Jan 21, 2025

Applications are closed

Internship
Full-time
Summer Internship
Government & Politics
Research & Development
Brooklyn

Requirements

Experience conducting analysis of quantitative data, ideally related to criminal justice or other social policy issues, either on your own or in collaboration with a professor and/or full-time researchers.
Comfort working with quantitative data, preparing data for analysis, conducting descriptive and statistical analysis.
Commitment to advancing racial and gender equity in work.
Curiosity about emerging research and advocacy in the criminal justice space.
Strong writing skills.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.
Proficient in R/RStudio statistical package.
Preferred:
Professional, personal or academic engagement with issues of mass incarceration and mass criminalization.
Experience conducting research using different methods (quant analysis, analysis of interview and survey data, archival research, etc.).
Proficiency in data visualization, database, and/or coding tools such as SQL, Python, Tableau and other statistical softwares (Stata, SPSS).

Responsibilities

In this role, you will conduct data analysis and mixed methods research that supports ongoing analysis of the dynamics of jail incarceration and supervision. Specific projects will depend on ability and interest, and may include:
Using state court data and county jail data to analyze patterns in pretrial decision making and case outcomes, at the county level, and preparing these findings for different audiences;
Cataloguing data sources and gathering various types of data, including but not limited to administrative data from criminal legal system agencies, budget data, and socio-economic data;
Cleaning and analyzing administrative data to answer questions about how local criminal legal systems work;
Writing memos or brief reports that document practices and summarize findings;
Presenting findings and implications for policy to Vera teams and external partners.

FAQs

What is the duration of the internship?

The internship will take place between June 2nd and August 8th, 2025, with some flexibility to accommodate personal and academic schedules.

What are the working hours for the intern?

The intern should be available to work up to 35 hours per week during the summer.

Is this an unpaid internship?

No, the internship is paid with a compensation range of $16.00 - $25.00 per hour, depending on experience and performance.

How do I apply for the internship?

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume. In your cover letter, explain your passion for criminal justice reform and what you hope to gain from the internship.

Where will the internship be located?

The internship will report to one of the following offices: Brooklyn, NY; Washington, D.C.; New Orleans, LA; or Los Angeles, CA.

Will there be opportunities for academic credit?

Yes, applicants may choose to receive academic credit, and Vera will assist in arranging this with your school or program.

What qualifications are preferred for the internship?

Preferred qualifications include engagement with issues of mass incarceration, experience using various research methods, and proficiency in data visualization, database, and coding tools such as SQL, Python, and Tableau.

Who will supervise the intern?

The intern will be supervised by a senior researcher on the Beyond Jails team, who will provide guidance and train the intern on various research skills.

Is there a commitment to diversity in hiring?

Yes, Vera Institute of Justice is committed to diversity in the workplace and encourages individuals directly impacted by the criminal justice system to apply.

Is this position only for college students?

The internship is open to college or graduate-level students as well as recent graduates.

Vera Institute of Justice

Securing equal justice, ending mass incarceration, and strengthening families and communities. Founded 1961.

Government

Industry

201-500

Employees

1961

Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

We envision a society that respects the dignity of every single person. And we're working to realize it. We work with others who share our vision to tackle the most pressing injustices of our day - from the causes and consequences of mass incarceration, racial disparities, and the loss of public trust in law enforcement, to the unmet needs of the vulnerable, the marginalized, and those harmed by crime and violence.