Research Analyst

The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan law and policy institute that seeks to improve the systems of democracy and justice in the United States.

The Brennan Center’s Justice Program aims to secure our nation’s promise of “equal justice for all” by tackling racial disparities and economic injustice, promoting a dignity-centered approach to crime and punishment, and creating a rational, effective, and fair justice system. Its priority focus is to reform the criminal legal system to shrink reliance on mass incarceration and mitigate its pernicious effects.

Position Overview:
The Justice Program is seeking Research Analyst to join a cutting-edge interdisciplinary team working to create a fair and equitable criminal justice system that champions evidence-based reforms to protect both individual rights and public safety. The Research Analyst will conduct research and engage in policy advocacy for Justice Program initiatives, working with attorneys, associates, and other researchers. Some projects in the near term include: a mixed methods study examining a state prison system and current reforms being implemented there; a study to evaluate the impact of clean slate laws in New York and other jurisdictions around the country; and a quantitative study examining the relationship between harsh prison conditions and recidivism.

Reporting to the Senior Research Fellow, the Research Analyst will conduct and help shape quantitative and qualitative research for Justice Program projects; engage in the writing and editing of reports that present data findings; engage with external organizations to advance research efforts; and participate in the release of reports by organizing events and reporting back to stakeholders.

Qualifications: 

• A master’s degree in a relevant field or two to three years of applied data and research experience (post-graduate) is the minimal requirement. A master’s degree and at least two years of professional applied data and mixed-method research experience is preferred.
• Strong fluency with data science techniques, and advanced experience using R, Stata, or another comparable data analysis program. Substantial experience in dataset management.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in all work, with proven ability to plan for and demonstrate peer review and other techniques for ensuring the accuracy of findings.
• Understanding of how to engage in research through a racial equity approach.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders in designing and implementing research.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including proven ability to work effectively within teams and to work collaboratively with editors, other staff, and outside stakeholders.
• Drive and ability to take initiative, anticipate needs, solve problems, and complete tasks and projects with a high degree of focus and independence.
• Strong ability to manage time and successfully multitask in a deadline-driven environment.
• A high degree of professionalism, integrity, discretion, and judgment.
• Commitment to working effectively with a wide array of stakeholders, from law enforcement and corrections to system-impacted people and communities, so that solutions address the realities and harms of the criminal justice system.
• While not required, familiarity with specific research techniques and methods (survey methods, text as data research, qualitative or mixed methods research) or tools (such as ArcMap, QGIS or Python) is a plus.
• Commitment to the mission and values of the Brennan Center.

Position Start Date: June 2026

Salary: The salary range assigned to this position is $90,000 – $100,000.

Tagged as: Research/Writing/Journalism