Spring 2026 - Research Intern, Vera Louisiana

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) Spring semester Research Intern to provide a wide range of support for our ongoing projects, including advancing prosecution reform, 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.  

This opportunity is unpaid. However, Vera Louisiana will certify hours and projects completed so that the intern can apply the experience toward course credit and/or internship/practicum requirements for graduation.

What you'll do:

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 

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 

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 

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 

What qualifications are we looking for?

• Currently enrolled in graduate school in a public health or social science program (e.g., 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 analyzing quantitative datasets to produce descriptive statistics
• Familiarity with collecting and/or analyzing qualitative data to identify themes 

Preferred: 

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

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities you'll bring: 

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or similar software
• Quantitative analysis software (e.g., SQL, R, SPSS, SAS, Stata, etc)
• Quantitative analysis software (e.g., NVivo, Atlas.ti, Dedoose, etc) 
• Valid Driver's License

Location:

Please note this role will report to our New Orleans, LA office. Vera interns and employees adhere to a hybrid schedule and are in-office on an alternating schedule. Full-time positions generally amount to 10 days per month. Part-time positions generally amount to 5 days per month.

Schedule:

The intern should be available to 10 - 20 hours per week during the Spring. The dates will be between Nov 1, 2025 and May 15, 2025, with some flexibility to accommodate personal and academic schedules.

Compensation:

This opportunity is unpaid. However, Vera Louisiana will certify hours and projects completed so that the intern can apply the experience toward course credit and/or internship/practicum requirements for graduation.

How to apply:

Please submit cover letter and resume. In your cover letter, please explain why you are passionate about criminal justice reform and what you hope to gain from this internship.

Applications may also be faxed to:

ATTN: People, Place, and Culture / Fall 2025 - Vera Louisiana - 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/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, 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.