INTERNSHIP DETAILS
Summer 2026 - Research Intern, Incarceration & Inequality Project
CompanyVera Institute of Justice
LocationNew York
Work ModeOn Site
PostedDecember 15, 2025

Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
The intern will provide support for ongoing studies, including conducting quantitative analysis, managing data, and reviewing literature related to mass incarceration and economic justice. They will also participate in research meetings and present findings to the team.
Internship Type
full time
Salary Range
$17 - $25
Company Size
306
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
40 hours
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About The Company
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.
About the Role
<h3><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>About the team:</strong></span></h3>
<p><span data-contrast="none">The Incarceration and Inequality Project (IIP) combines research, data science, and strategic communications to explore and document how mass incarceration has impoverished communities and widened racial disparities in income and wealth over the past five decades. Vera is creating a national dataset that includes information on incarceration, community supervision, and economic outcomes from a range of local and federal sources. The project team will use this dataset to produce data-informed products, including policy briefs, research papers, and an online data visualization tool.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"335559739":165}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">We are seeking a full-time Graduate level Intern to provide a range of supports for new and ongoing studies, including quantitative analysis, data management, and literature reviews on topics related to mass incarceration, and economic justice. This is an opportunity to join a multidisciplinary team that is addressing policy-focused questions at the intersection of mass incarceration, economic mobility, and racial equity.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"335559739":165}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">The IIP Intern will learn:</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559737":0,"335559739":165,"335559740":259}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li><span data-contrast="none">Working with a dynamic team on applied quantitative analysis</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559737":0,"335559739":165,"335559740":259}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="none">Managing and analyzing economic data from the census and other sources</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559737":0,"335559739":165,"335559740":259}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="none">Reviewing the literature on the intersection of income inequality and criminal legal system contact</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559737":0,"335559739":165,"335559740":259}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="none">Conducting research to inform policy briefs and other publications</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559737":0,"335559739":165,"335559740":259}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>About the role:</strong></span></h3>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">1. Background research</span><span data-ccp-props="{"469777462":[360],"469777927":[0],"469777928":[0]}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Reviewing the literature on criminal legal and economic justice topics</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559685":770}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Producing research summaries</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559685":770}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Working with members of the research team to develop estimation techniques, based on existing research</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559685":770}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><span data-ccp-props="{"335559685":770}">2. <span class="TextRun SCXW245191008 BCX0" lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW245191008 BCX0">Data management and exploratory analysis</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW245191008 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"469777462":[360],"469777927":[0],"469777928":[0]}"> </span></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Merging and aggregating administrative datasets</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Conducting descriptive analysis</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Producing data visualizations</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Authoring memos and other internal documents describing results</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><span data-ccp-props="{}">3. <span class="TextRun SCXW47543182 BCX0" lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW47543182 BCX0">Research </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW47543182 BCX0">methodology</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW47543182 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Participating in IIP research meetings, discussing research designs and providing feedback on emergent findings</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Presenting findings to the team</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What qualifications are we looking for?</strong></span></h3>
<ul>
<li><span data-contrast="none">Currently enrolled in graduate school in economics, sociology, criminology, demography, public policy or a related discipline or equivalent experience</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="none">Interest in applied social justice research, particularly to advance policy reform and advocacy </span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true}"><span class="TrackChangeTextInsertion TrackedChange SCXW252736740 BCX0"><span class="TextRun Highlight SCXW252736740 BCX0" lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW252736740 BCX0">and issues related to economic inequality and the legal system</span></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW252736740 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true}"> </span></span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="none">Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Familiarity with analyzing quantitative datasets</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true}">Preferred:</span></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Experience with R and/or Python</span></li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Technical knowledge helpful for this role:</strong></span></h3>
<ul>
<li><span data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-charstyle="cs1b16eeb5" data-ccp-charstyle-defn="{"ObjectId":"797e797f-f804-5f7f-91c5-c20a81cc5eac|1","ClassId":1073872969,"Properties":[469777841,"Times New Roman",469777842,"Times New Roman",469777843,"Times New Roman",469777844,"Times New Roman",469769226,"Times New Roman",268442635,"22",469775450,"cs1b16eeb5",201340122,"1",134233614,"true",469778129,"cs1b16eeb5",335572020,"1",469778324,"Default Paragraph Font"]}">Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or similar software</span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-charstyle="cs1b16eeb5">Quantitative </span><span data-ccp-charstyle="cs1b16eeb5">analysis</span><span data-ccp-charstyle="cs1b16eeb5"> software (</span><span data-ccp-charstyle="cs1b16eeb5">ie</span><span data-ccp-charstyle="cs1b16eeb5">: </span><span data-ccp-charstyle="cs1b16eeb5"> </span><span data-ccp-charstyle="cs1b16eeb5">R</span><span data-ccp-charstyle="cs1b16eeb5">,</span><span data-ccp-charstyle="cs1b16eeb5"> Stata, </span><span data-ccp-charstyle="cs1b16eeb5">et</span><span data-ccp-charstyle="cs1b16eeb5">c</span><span data-ccp-charstyle="cs1b16eeb5">)</span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Location:</strong></span></h3>
<p>Please note this role will report to our<strong> Brooklyn, NY </strong>office. Vera employees adhere to a hybrid schedule and are in-office on an alternating schedule that generally amounts to 10 days per month.</p>
<h3><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Compensation and Benefits:</strong></span></h3>
<p>The compensation range for this position is <strong>$17.00 - $25.00</strong>.<strong><em> </em></strong>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 Institute’s 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 $2,000 annual for education costs and fees relevant to Vera work, employer-funded retirement plan, and flexible time. <span class="TextRun Highlight SCXW74969698 BCX8" lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW74969698 BCX8">To learn more about Vera’s benefits offerings, </span></span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW74969698 BCX8" href="https://online.fliphtml5.com/ietjg/esww/" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW74969698 BCX8" lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW74969698 BCX8" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">click here</span></span></a><span class="TextRun Highlight SCXW74969698 BCX8" lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW74969698 BCX8">.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW74969698 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p>
<div class="p-rich_text_section">
<h3><strong>Application Process:</strong></h3>
</div>
<div class="p-rich_text_section">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.</div>
<h3><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Applications may also be faxed to:</strong></span></h3>
<p>ATTN: People, Place, and Culture / Summer 2026 - Research Intern, Incarceration & Inequality Project<br>Vera Institute of Justice<br>34 35th St, Suite 4-2A, Brooklyn, NY 11232<br>Fax: (212) 941-9407<br>Please use only one method (online, mail or fax) of submission.<br>No phone calls, please. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.</p>
<p><em>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. </em></p>
<p><em>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. </em></p>
<p><em>For more information about Vera, please visit </em><a href="http://www.vera.org/" data-cke-saved-href="http://www.vera.org/"><em>www.vera.org</em></a>.</p>
Key Skills
Quantitative AnalysisData ManagementLiterature ReviewResearch MethodologyData VisualizationCommunication SkillsRPythonMicrosoft OfficeStata
Categories
Social ServicesScience & ResearchData & AnalyticsGovernment & Public Sector
Benefits
Paid Time OffHealth InsuranceStudent Loan RepaymentProfessional Development TrainingEducation Cost ReimbursementRetirement PlanFlexible Time
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