FJC internship Research Assistant For Graduate Student (Apply Now 2025)

Are you looking for internships that blend real-world research experience with professional growth? The Federal Judicial Center (FJC) is hiring Research Assistants for students pursuing a graduate degree in select disciplines. This program is tailored to provide hands-on opportunities in judicial administration research while helping students and recent graduates build their careers in social sciences.

Whether you’re exploring career options or looking to gain valuable experience, this internship offers a chance to be part of meaningful work that supports the efficient operation of federal courts. If you’re passionate about research and seeking a dynamic job that aligns with your academic background, this program might be the perfect fit.

Program Overview:

The FJC is currently hiring Graduate Student Research Assistants to be part of their Research Division. The primary focus of this position is to support project teams in designing and conducting social science research. The work you’ll do in this role directly contributes to improving judicial administration in federal courts, including appellate, district, and bankruptcy courts.

Key Responsibilities

Research Assistants play an essential role in supporting the operations of the FJC’s Research Division. Some of the specific duties include:

• Conducting literature reviews to inform ongoing research.
• Organizing, coding, and analyzing datasets.
• Creating tables, graphs, and other visuals to effectively present research findings.
• Developing research instruments, such as interview protocols and online surveys.
• Drafting reports that summarize research insights and recommendations.

Each task will be guided by an experienced Research Associate or Senior Research Associate, ensuring an enriching learning experience. It’s also worth noting that this is a remote-eligible position, so relocation is not required.

Who Can Apply?

This internship is tailored for current graduate students who are actively pursuing a degree in social or behavioral sciences fields, such as psychology, sociology, or political science. Applicants should have foundational research experience, whether through coursework, previous internships, or other opportunities.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Active U.S. Citizenship.
• Currently enrolled full-time in an accredited graduate program in a relevant field.
• Demonstrated research experience, either through employment, internships, or volunteer work.
• Familiarity with statistical software such as SAS, SPSS, STATA, or R.
• Proficiency in database management tools like Excel or Access.

Strong interpersonal and writing skills are also essential for this role, as it involves both independent work and collaboration with research teams.

Work Commitments

• Summer Semester: 30-39 hours per week for at least eight weeks.
• Spring & Fall Semesters: 12-15 hours per week.

Assistants are limited to a maximum of 39 work hours per week, ensuring flexibility for academic commitments.

Salary and Benefits

This internship offers a competitive hourly wage based on the candidate’s qualifications and year in graduate school:

• Graduate Students (First or Second Year): $19.65 per hour
• Graduate Students (Third Year or Beyond): $22.11 per hour

While part-time positions like this one don’t include traditional federal benefits, the experience gained from this role could significantly contribute to building a fulfilling and rewarding career.

Building Skills and Experience

This position provides a unique opportunity for students and recent graduates to enhance their research abilities and grow professionally in a supportive and collaborative environment. Participants can gain skills in data analysis, survey design, project management, and report writing, all while contributing to meaningful improvements in the U.S. judicial system.

These skills are not only valuable in academia but also in various public, private, and nonprofit sectors, making this internship an excellent stepping stone for future career opportunities.

How to Apply

If you’re ready to take the next step, submitting a strong application is crucial. Here’s how you can apply for the FJC’s Graduate Research Assistant Internship:

Step 1: Prepare Your Application Materials

Get the following documents ready:

• Cover Letter explaining your qualifications and indicating your preferred semester (Summer, Fall, or Spring).
• Unofficial Transcript or Proof of Enrollment from your current graduate program.
• Resume outlining relevant experience in research, academics, and internships.
• Name and contact information for at least one reference.

Step 2: Submit Your Application

Applications should be emailed to ResearchHiring@fjc.gov. Be sure to submit all requested materials by the appropriate deadline:

• Fall Semester (Sept-Dec): Apply by July 10, 2024
• Spring Semester (Jan-April): Apply by October 1, 2024
• Summer Semester (May-August): Apply by March 3, 2025

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so don’t delay in getting yours submitted!

Step 3: Wait for Updates

After applying, keep an eye on your email in case the FJC requests additional documentation or invites you for an interview.

Your Career Begins Here

The FJC Graduate Research Assistant Internship is an exceptional chance for graduate students to explore careers in research while directly contributing to meaningful judicial improvements. With flexible work schedules, competitive pay, and valuable hands-on experience, it’s an opportunity you won’t want to miss.

Apply now to join the Federal Judicial Center and start building your future as a skilled and impactful researcher.

Submit FJC Internship Application