National Institute of Justice: Research Assistantship Program
The NIJ Research Assistantship Program (RAP) offers highly qualified doctoral students the opportunity to bring their expertise to NIJ to work across offices and program areas to obtain a practical and applied research experience. The RA program is a research focused professional development opportunity for doctoral students. We welcome students from all academic disciplines to apply who wish to connect their research to the criminal justice field. This unique assistantship is an opportunity to learn and contribute to the breadth and depth of science research in which NIJ engages. NIJ provides funds to participating universities to pay salaries and other costs associated with research assistants who work on NIJ research activities.
1 year.
The cost of tuition remission is calculated based on the university’s standard tuition (such as in-state rates for public schools) per credit hour. There are maximum amounts for tuition remission:
- Up to 20 credits per academic year for full-time graduate research assistants who work for NIJ during the academic year only.
- Up to 24 credits per calendar year for full-time graduate research assistants who work for NIJ throughout the calendar year.
Research assistants are “full-time graduate research assistants” nominated by their universities and approved by NIJ. They work 20 to 30 hours per week (based on university policy) under a 9.5- or 12-month appointment, as applicable. The number of hours worked each week will depend on university policy. If funding is available, research assistants may work full time up to 40 hours per week during university breaks in the fall, winter, spring and summer (with the NIJ RAP manager’s and the university’s prior approval).
Research assistants work primarily at the NIJ office, 810 Seventh St. N.W., Washington, D.C. Sometimes, work is conducted in the field, such as during data collection efforts, or at another approved location, such as at a university or research facility.
Note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, RAs may work remotely until onsite working at NIJ has resumed.
Universities nominate enrolled students for these assistantships, and NIJ selects from the nominees based on their background and expertise.
Candidates must be enrolled in a research-based doctoral-degree program at a public or private university.
Candidates must be working towards a doctoral degree throughout the research assistantship period of performance. Degree programs include Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Doctor of Public Administration (D.P.A.), Doctor of Public Health (D.P.H.) and Doctor of Social Work (D.S.W.).
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or a permanent U.S. resident.
- Website
Contact
RAP Manager
[email protected]