NIJ’s Research Assistantship Program

NIJ and each participating university establish an agreement through which NIJ provides funds to pay research assistants’ salaries, health insurance and tuition remission.

When considering applying, please keep in mind the following qualifications:

• University enrollment: Candidates must be enrolled in a research-based doctoral-degree program at a public or private university. Universities should contact the RAP manager at [email protected] to determine if they qualify for program participation.
• Degree program: 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.).
• Reasoning ability: Research assistants must be able to work independently, accurately, and in a timely manner.
• Communication skills: Candidates should have the ability to communicate orally and in writing to prepare comprehensive research reports, proposals, and evaluations, and to make recommendations to accomplish and enhance project objectives.
• Certifications, licenses and registrations: Human Subjects Protection training is required. Accepted research assistants will take training on site at the Office of Justice Programs.
• Background check: Successful completion and approval of all required U.S. Department of Justice profile and prescreening paperwork, security reviews, and background investigations (such as credit and criminal investigations) are required.
• Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or a permanent U.S. resident.