Fall 2026 - Research Intern, Vera Louisiana

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.

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.

• Build skills in applied research, written communication, and systemic analysis

• Attend and take notes at coalition and partner organization meetings

• Gain awareness about network of criminal legal system advocacy organizations and how data can support advocacy goals

• Gain knowledge about successful advocacy arguments and responses at a quick pace

• Provide support for planned events and other related responsibilities that may arise

• Assist with scheduling meetings with internal and external partners

• 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

• 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

• Demonstrated connection to Louisiana, New Orleans, or the Deep South

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or similar software

• Quantitative analysis software ( ie : SQL, SPSS, SAS, Stata, etc )

• Qualitative analysis software ( ie : NVIVO, Atlas.ti , Dedoose , etc )

Please note this role will report to our New Orleans, Louisiana office. Vera employees adhere to a hybrid schedule and are in-office on an alternating schedule that generally amounts to 10 days per month.

Applicants will receive academic credit for the externship . For those who need to earn academic credit, Vera will gladly assist in working with the school or program to arrangements and meet requirements.