Strategic Research Internship
Location: Arlington, VA
Salary: $17.50 per hour
Closing Date: February 28
The Institute for Justice seeks a highly motivated and detail-oriented undergraduate student or recent graduate with an interest in social science and policy research to join us at IJ's Arlington, VA office as a paid strategic research intern for this upcoming summer. IJ’s strategic research program is a unique initiative combining high-quality social science and policy research with IJ’s cutting-edge litigation. Past interns have worked on reports such as Policing for Profit: The Abuse of Civil Asset Forfeiture and Too Many Licenses?: Government “Sunrise” Reviews Cast Doubt on Barriers to Work and have gone on to careers in academia and public policy.
The ideal candidate has facility in exploring online databases and data sources, the ability to create and manipulate spreadsheets, and persistence and good judgment in soliciting information and data from state and nonprofit agencies. Candidates should also have an interest in assisting with research on occupational licensing, civil asset forfeiture, zoning, and other issues related to IJ’s core areas of economic liberty, property rights, educational choice, and free speech. Previous experience coding documents to turn complex records into numerical data is a plus. The strategic research internship is a full-time, temporary position for a total of 10 weeks and is not eligible for benefits. Interns are paid up to a total of $7,000 for 10 weeks of work paid in semi-monthly payments subject to applicable federal and state taxes. The 10-week program generally runs from late May through early August, though exact start and end dates are flexible to fit the intern’s academic calendar.
Types of past assignments have included:
- Finding and reviewing literature.
- Finding and cleaning data.
- Coding information from documents to create datasets for later analysis.
- Fact-checking, proofing, and sourcing reports.
- Reviewing statutes and other government documents, such as agency reports.
- Writing memos on literature and data sources.
- Filing and managing public records requests.
How to Apply
We require a resume, a cover letter describing why you are a strong candidate for this position, and a writing sample. We hire on a rolling basis and will accept applications through February 28th, 2024.
Cover letters can be addressed to David Warren, Senior Research Analyst.
