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. We work to hold our political institutions and laws accountable to the twin American ideals of democracy and equal justice for all. The Brennan Center’s work ranges from voting rights to campaign finance reform, from ending mass incarceration to preserving Constitutional protections in national security policies. Part think-tank, part advocacy group, part cutting edge communications hub, we start with rigorous research. We craft innovative policies. And we fight for them – in Congress and the states, in the courts, and in the court of public opinion.  

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. 
 

Note: This position is based at our headquarters in New York City.  

Responsibilities:  

• Conduct quantitative research and data analysis, applying research best practices to the collection, cleaning, and analysis of empirical data using statistical programs (such as R, Stata, or GIS).  

• Conduct qualitative research for mixed methods research projects, such as developing protocols for stakeholder engagement; conducting or co-facilitating interviews and focus groups; conducting or leading surveys; and analyzing qualitative data in a manner that demonstrates experience with qualitative research best practices. 

• Drafting and editing writeups of research output, including reports, academic journal articles, and other public communications as needed. 

• Creating clear and accessible data products, such as data visualizations.  

• Critically evaluating research and communicating the strengths and weaknesses of research to diverse audiences. 

• Developing and maintaining a high level of knowledge of substantive scholarship on democracy and justice. 

• Providing mentorship for junior research staff and interns. 

• Helping to draft and refine research findings and methodologies for reports and public forums.  

• Assisting with the rollout of research reports by conducting research for public facing analyses, managing communications to high-level stakeholders, and assisting with planning events. 

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. 

We are committed to considering a wide range of candidates, including those with diverse experiences and backgrounds. Whether you are new to the nonprofit law and policy sector, returning to work after a gap in employment, or seeking to advance your professional path, we welcome your application.  

If you're uncertain about meeting 100% of our qualifications, we encourage you to apply anyway. In your cover letter, please share your interest in the position and what you hope to contribute to the role.  

Position Start Date: June 2026

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage interested applicants to apply early, as the position will be filled once a qualified candidate is found.  

Application Instructions   
To apply, visit >>LINK HERE<<.  Please upload the following documents: (1) a cover letter, (2) resume, (3) a data coding syntax sample (up to 2 pages), and contact information for three references and (4) contact information for three supervisor references. If applicable, please include Internet hyperlinks to authored writing samples. Applications without all the previously listed materials will not be considered. 

Please, no phone calls or faxes; it is strongly preferred that you apply on our website. If you have difficulty with the online system, you may send your application by e-mail to: [email protected] with “Research Analyst, Justice Program” in the subject line, after registering in the online system.  

Compensation and Benefits:  
The Brennan Center is a fantastic workplace! We offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package that is regularly assessed based on workplace trends and employee feedback.  

The salary range assigned to this position is $90,000 - $100,000. We determine our salary ranges based on market competitiveness and internal equity for each job. The salary offered to a selected candidate will be contingent upon the candidate’s qualifications and internal equity considerations. Additionally, we offer a generous time off program, 401k plan, comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), and wellness and office perks.    

In addition, this position is part of a bargaining unit represented by the National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW local 2320.   

The Brennan Center for Justice is committed to a workplace based on equal opportunity and a strong belief in the increased effectiveness that comes from a diverse workforce. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, ethnicity, gender identity, socioeconomic identity, sexual orientation, national origin, previous incarceration, disability, military veteran/status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. To this end, we welcome all qualified applicants to apply.