Vera Institute of Justice · 4 days ago
Summer 2026 - Research Intern, Vera Louisiana
New Orleans, LA
Internship
Onsite
Intern
$17/hr - $25/hr
Start in 2026 SummerVera Institute of Justice is dedicated to advancing evidence-based reform in the criminal justice system. They are seeking a summer Research Intern to support ongoing projects related to jail population reduction and community investment in Louisiana, providing opportunities to gain experience in applied social justice research and advocacy.
Innovation ManagementLaw EnforcementSocial Impact
Responsibilities
Hone applied qualitative research and analysis skills
Translate research findings to into clear themes and actionable insights through written summaries or presentations to inform program improvement or decision-making
Gain awareness of the networks of advocacy organizations in Louisiana and how data can support advocacy goals
Conduct thematic analysis of qualitative data (e.g. interviews and focus groups)
Support ongoing mixed methods research projects
Review, organize, and analyze publicly available datasets
Build skills in applied research, written communication, and systemic analysis
Attend and take notes at coalition and partner organization meetings
Build verbal and interpersonal communication skills
Prepare data to inform public policy advocacy
Build persuasive advocacy and communications skills
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
Qualification
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
Familiarity with collecting and/or analyzing qualitative data to identify themes
Familiarity with analyzing quantitative datasets to produce descriptive statistics
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
Preferred
Demonstrated connection to Louisiana, New Orleans, or the Deep South
Willingness to travel to Baton Rouge on occasion
Benefits
Merit pay
Generous paid time off
A comprehensive health insurance plan
Student loan repayment benefits
Professional development training opportunities
Up to $2,000 annual for education costs and fees relevant to Vera work
Employer-funded retirement plan
Flexible time
Company
Vera Institute of Justice
Vera Institute of Justice is an independent nonprofit national research and policy organization.
Founded in 1961
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$0.25MKey Investors
Chubb
2023-03-21Grant· $0.25M
Leadership Team
Insha Rahman
Vice President, Advocacy and Partnerships
Tracey Wilmot
Vice President, Chief People Officer
Recent News
New Orleans CityBusiness
2025-05-06
San Francisco Chronicle
2025-04-17
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