Extreme Sentencing Research Fellows

Organizational Overview

The Sentencing Project advocates for effective and humane responses to crime that minimize imprisonment and criminalization of youth and adults by promoting racial, ethnic, economic, and gender justice. The Sentencing Project engages in research and advocacy on sentencing and related issues, advocates for criminal justice policy and practice reform, and conducts broad-scale public education through media, online and other communications. Information about The Sentencing Project is available at www.sentencingproject.org.

Job Description and Responsibilities

The Sentencing Project (TSP) is seeking two self-motivated and high-performing research fellows to provide part-time research and writing support for approximately four months, ideally beginning in mid- to late January 2025. The position is best suited for someone who is currently working towards or has earned a graduate-level degree in social science, preferably criminal justice, criminology, or sociology.

In collaboration with our research team, each research fellow will contribute their expertise to TSP’s research mission in one or more of the following ways:

• Provide support on current and upcoming sentencing research projects. TSP’s research projects include reentry experiences after long sentences, perspectives of victims towards second look laws and resentencing hearings, the impact of criminal histories on sentencing, and “habitual offender” laws. Tasks include, but are not limited to, analyzing federal and state-level law and policy, contributing to drafts of research instruments and protocols, planning interviews, and assisting with data collection, analysis, and data management. Training in qualitative methods is strongly desired.
• Update statistics and relevant research in annual publications. Tasks include, but are not limited to, conducting descriptive data analysis, data management, and synthesizing academic studies. A high degree of comfort with Excel is required.
• Conduct in-depth reviews of academic literature. Topics include, but are not limited to, felony disenfranchisement, habitual offender laws, reentry, sex-related offenses, and victimology.

These positions require strong analytical, writing, and organizational skills, a nuanced understanding of the criminal legal system, and a passion for reform. Research fellows should be detail-oriented in both research, writing, and editing as well as open to incorporating feedback and revisions into their work.

Compensation

These are part-time positions not to exceed 20 hours/week at a rate of $25/hr. The fellowship ends in early May 2025, but could be renewed if appropriate. Fully remote work is possible for the right candidate, but preference is given to applicants residing in the DC metropolitan area. The Sentencing Project is a hybrid work environment.

Application Procedure

To apply, please submit the following materials to employment@sentencingproject.org by December 20, 2024 and address your email to “Application for Extreme Sentencing Research Fellow”:

• A cover letter, which includes a discussion of your research skills and qualifications (e.g., level of familiarity with Excel, relevant training in various research methods);
• a resume or CV; and
• a short writing sample.

Incomplete applications and applications received after the December 20, 2024 deadline will not be reviewed.

The Sentencing Project values and prioritizes a diverse workforce and strongly encourages people of color to apply. We welcome applications that demonstrate experience, skill, and personal motivation. The Sentencing Project is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer committed to cultural diversity and recruits without regard to gender, race, ethnicity, color, age, religion, sexual orientation, disabilities, or prior convictions.