Entry Level Social Justice Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fall 2026 - Research Intern, Vera Louisiana

New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

About the Team:

Vera's work in New Orleans began in 2006, when the City Council invited us to assess the criminal justice system and propose reforms as part of post-Katrina recovery efforts. Since then, we have become a nexus for advancing evidence-based reform and have demonstrated that change is not only possible but within reach. In partnership with people leading and working in the local justice system, city leaders, and community organizations, we are working to end unnecessary detention and develop innovative, collaborative projects that improve the delivery of justice in New Orleans and throughout Louisiana.

About the Role:

Vera Louisiana is seeking a part-time (10-20 hours/week) fall Research Intern to provide a wide range of support for our ongoing projects, including jail population reduction, increasing investment in thriving communities, and addressing Louisiana's carceral impact in multiple parishes and at the state legislature. The Research Intern will be supervised primarily by the Senior Research Associate and will complete a variety of projects with other staff. This internship will provide an opportunity to gain knowledge and experience in applied social justice research, using research to advance advocacy goals, and criminal legal systems in New Orleans and other parts of Louisiana.

What Qualifications Are We Looking For?

1. Research and Analysis:

• Support ongoing mixed methods research projects
• Review, organize, and analyze publicly available datasets
• Observe and take notes during interviews and focus groups
• Build skills in applied research, written communication, and systemic analysis

2. Partnership Support:

• Attend and take notes at coalition and partner organization meetings
• Build verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• Gain awareness about network of criminal legal system advocacy organizations and how data can support advocacy goals

3. Advocacy:

• Prepare data to inform public policy advocacy
• Build persuasive advocacy and communications skills
• Gain knowledge about successful advocacy arguments and responses at a quick pace

4. Administrative:

• Provide support for planned events and other related responsibilities that may arise
• Assist with scheduling meetings with internal and external partners
• Gain experience in routine, professional responsibilities

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities You'll Bring:

Required:

• Currently enrolled in graduate school in a public health or social science program (epidemiology, sociology, political science, etc.)
• Interest in applied social justice research, particularly to advance policy reform and advocacy
• Ability to show initiative, ask questions, and adapt to changing priorities
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills
• A demonstrated ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds
• Familiarity with collecting and/or analyzing qualitative data to identify themes
• Familiarity with analyzing quantitative datasets to produce descriptive statistics

Preferred:

• Demonstrated connection to Louisiana, New Orleans, or the Deep South
• Willingness to travel to Baton Rouge on occasion

Technical Knowledge Helpful for This Role:

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or similar software
• Quantitative analysis software (ie: SQL, SPSS, SAS, Stata, etc.)
• Qualitative analysis software (ie: NVIVO, Atlas.ti, Dedoose, etc.)

Location:

Please note this role will report to our New Orleans, Louisiana office. Vera employees adhere to a hybrid schedule and are in-office on an alternating schedule that generally amounts to 10 days per month.

Compensation and Benefits:

Applicants will receive academic credit for the externship. For those who need to earn academic credit, Vera will gladly assist in working with the school or program to arrangements and meet requirements.

Application Process:

To receive further consideration for this career opportunity, applicants are asked preliminary questions about logistics, their interest and qualifications. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional details about their experience via a phone screen/form in advance of an invitation for a virtual or in-person interview with the team. Some searches may explore scenarios during the interview process and/or an assessment prior to reference checks and a hiring decision.

Applications may also be faxed to:

ATTN: People, Place, and Culture / Fall 2026 - Research Intern Vera Institute of Justice 34 35th St, Suite 4-2A, Brooklyn, NY 11232 Fax: (212) 941-9407 Please use only one method (online, mail or fax) of submission. No phone calls, please. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.

Vera is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, citizenship status, current employment status, or caregiver status.

Vera works to advance justice, particularly racial justice, in an increasingly multicultural country and globally connected world. We value diverse experiences, including with regard to educational background and justice system contact, and depend on a diverse staff to carry out our mission.

For more information about Vera, please visit www.vera.org.