Fall 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) 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?

• 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
  Aid in scheduling meetings with internal and external partners
  Gain experience in routine, professional responsibilities

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