Summer 2026 Research Intern, Vera Louisiana

About the team:

Veras 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 havedemonstratedthat change is not only possible but within 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.

VeraLouisianais seekingapart- or full-time (21-35hours/week)summerResearchInterntoprovidea wide range of support for our ongoing projects includingjail population reduction increasing investment in thriving communities andaddressing Louisianas carceral impact in multiple parishes and at the state be supervisedprimarily by theAssociate Director of Researchand will complete a variety of projects with other willprovidean opportunity to gain knowledge and experience inapplied social justiceresearch using research to advanceadvocacygoals and criminal legal systems in New Orleans and other parts of Louisiana.

The Research Intern will:

• 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

About the role:

1. Researchand analysis

• Conduct thematic analysis of qualitative data ( and focus groups)
• Support ongoing mixed methods research projects
• Review organize and analyze publicly available datasets
• Buildskills in appliedresearch written communication and systemic analysis

2. Partnership support

• Attendand take notes atcoalition and partner organization meetings
• Build verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• Gain awareness about network of criminal legal system advocacy organizationsand how data can support advocacy goals

3. Advocacy

• Preparedata to informpublic policy advocacy
• Build persuasive advocacyand communications skills
• Gainknowledge about successful advocacy arguments and responses at a quick pace

4. Administrative

• Provide support for planned events and other related responsibilities that may arise
• Assistwith scheduling meetings with internal and external partners
• Gain experiencein routine professional responsibilities

What qualifications are we looking for

:

• Currently enrolled ingraduate school in apublic health orsocial science program (epidemiologysociology political science etc.)
• Interest inapplied social justice research particularlyto advancepolicy reform and advocacy
• Familiarity with collecting and/or analyzing qualitative data toidentifythemes
• 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

Knowledge Skills & Abilities youll bring:

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or similar software
• Qualitative analysis software (ie: NVIVODedooseetc)
• Quantitativeanalysissoftware (ie: SQL SPSS SAS Stataetc)

Additional knowledge helpful for this role:

• Driverslicense
• Reliable transportation

Location:

Please note this role will report to our New Orleans LA 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:

The compensation range for this position is $17.00 - $25.00. Actual salaries will vary depending on factors including but not limited to experience and performance. The salary range listed is just one component of Vera Institutes total compensation package for employees. As an employer of choice in our field supporting Vera staff - both personally and professionally - is a priority. To do this we invest in the well-being of our staff through other rewards including merit pay generous paid time off a comprehensive health insurance plan student loan repayment benefits professional development training opportunities and up to $2000 annual for education costs and fees relevant to Vera work employer-funded retirement plan and flexible time.To learn more about Veras benefits offeringsclick here.

Applications may also be faxed to:

ATTN: People Place and Culture / Summer 2026 - Research Intern Vera Louisiana
Vera Institute of Justice
34 35th St Suite 4-2A Brooklyn NY 11232
Fax:
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 / affirmative action 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 includingwith regard toeducational background and justice system contact and depend on a diverse staff to carry out our mission.

For more information about Vera please visit.