Fall 2026/Spring 2027 - CUNY Applied Justice Research Fellow at Vera Institute of Justice

New York, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

InternshipExperience Level

InternshipJob Type

UnknownVisa

Criminal Justice, Social Justice, ResearchIndustries

Requirements

Current Graduate Center Ph.D. student from any program
Hold a current Graduate Center Fellowship (GCF)
Research interests in criminal or immigration justice and the work of the Vera Institute
Ability to spend 21 hours per week working with Vera (1-2 days per week in person at Vera’s Brooklyn office) during the 2026-2027 academic year
Submit letter of interest (not exceeding 2 pages) describing research interests, PhD/dissertation topic, methodological expertise, and related projects/experience
Submit resume/CV
Submit current Graduate Center transcript (unofficial student copy acceptable)
Submit letter of support from primary advisor
Interest in developing creative approaches to measuring social and economic impact of policy proposals in criminal legal and immigration systems preferred

Responsibilities

Work with Vera’s central research department under supervision of Dr. Nina Siulc, managing director of research
Support applied research crosscutting Vera’s priority areas to end mass incarceration
Produce at least one original research product co-authored with the managing director of research or other research leadership staff
Potentially contribute to annual review of detention and incarceration trends

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Research MethodsData ScienceSocial ScienceCriminal JusticeImmigration JusticeQualitative ResearchQuantitative Analysis

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What is the compensation for the Applied Justice Research Fellow?

Fellows continue to receive their Graduate Center Fellowship (GCF) funding while substituting Vera work for their normal GCF service. No additional compensation from Vera is mentioned.

Is this a remote position, or do I need to come into the office?

The fellow is based in Vera’s New York City (Brooklyn) office and expected to spend 1-2 days per week in person at Vera’s offices, with a total of 21 hours per week working with Vera.

What skills or qualifications are required for this fellowship?

Candidates must be Graduate Center Ph.D. students from any program with research interests in criminal or immigration justice and the work of the Vera Institute. This year, interest in developing creative approaches to measuring social and economic impact of policy proposals in criminal legal and immigration systems is especially valued.

What is the team like at Vera Institute of Justice?

Vera researchers work as part of inter-disciplinary teams to develop and implement theories of change that weave together research, advocacy, communications, and site-based technical assistance. The fellow will work with the central research department under the supervision of Dr. Nina Siulc, managing director of research.

What makes a strong candidate for this fellowship?

Strong candidates are current Graduate Center Ph.D. students with research interests aligned to criminal or immigration justice and Vera's work, particularly those who can contribute creative approaches to measuring policy impacts and produce original research products.

Vera Institute of Justice

Addresses injustices in law enforcement and society

About Vera Institute of Justice

Vera Institute of Justice focuses on addressing significant social issues related to justice and law enforcement. The organization collaborates with various partners to confront challenges such as mass incarceration, racial inequalities, and the erosion of public trust in law enforcement. Their work also extends to supporting vulnerable and marginalized communities, as well as individuals affected by crime and violence. Unlike many organizations, Vera Institute emphasizes a collaborative approach, bringing together diverse stakeholders to create effective solutions. The ultimate goal of Vera Institute is to promote a fair and equitable justice system that serves all members of society.

New York City, New YorkHeadquarters

1961Year Founded

$243.2KTotal Funding

GRANTCompany Stage

Government & Public Sector, Social ImpactIndustries

201-500Employees

Benefits

Health Insurance

Unlimited Paid Time Off

Student Loan Assistance

Professional Development Budget

401(k) Retirement Plan

Flexible Work Hours

Risks

Unionization could lead to higher labor costs and potential disruptions.

Partnership on 'Dignity Principles' may face scrutiny if not effectively implemented.

Securus' educational expansion might overshadow Vera's initiatives in the same area.

Differentiation

Vera collaborates with JLUSA on 'Dignity Principles' to enhance criminal justice reform.

Focus on educational technology aligns with mission to reduce recidivism and mass incarceration.

Utilizes AI to enforce privacy, security, and fairness, enhancing social innovation strategies.

Upsides

Increased educational tech in prisons aligns with Vera's mission to reduce recidivism.

Unionization may improve working conditions, boosting organizational effectiveness.

Chubb Rule of Law Fund offers partnership opportunities for racial justice initiatives.

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