ABOUT THE INNOCENCE PROJECT:

The Innocence Project works to free the innocent, prevent wrongful convictions, and create fair, compassionate, and equitable systems of justice for everyone. Our work is guided by science and grounded in antiracism. Since our inception, the Innocence Project has used DNA and other scientific advancements to prove wrongful conviction. To date, we have helped to free or exonerate more than 200 people who, collectively, spent more than 3,600 years behind bars. Our efforts have led to the passage of more than 200 transformative state laws and federal reforms. Today, the Innocence Project continues to fight for freedom, drive structural change, and advance the innocence movement. To learn more, please visit www.innocenceproject.org.

ABOUT THE POSITION:

The Forensic Science Policy Intern provides support to the Policy Department reporting to the Forensic Science Policy Specialist. The Policy Department works with Congress, state legislatures, and local leaders to enact laws and policies that prevent wrongful convictions and protect the constitutional rights of all who come in contact with the American criminal legal system.  

The primary focus of this internship is to support the Forensic Science Policy Team as it researches and convenes internal staff to develop a policy for the implementation of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). The Forensic Science Policy Intern will also develop a forensic annotated bibliography that compares the results of a study to  the final conclusion and abstract.  The Forensic Science Policy Intern may also support members of the Policy Department on criminal justice related projects (non-forensic science) as needed.

While the Innocence Project has supported remote work throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we are currently committed to a hybrid workplace with mandatory two days per week in-office. The number of required in-office days is subject to change. 

All Innocence Project employees must embrace, respect and value the rich diversity of perspectives and experience of a diverse and heterogeneous staff.  We recognize and appreciate that our work is better for having varied participants and thought partners.

We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas.

The internship will be partially remote and partially in-person: interns will be required to work in the New York office (40 Worth Street, New York NY 10013) at minimum two days a week. Interns will work remotely for the other three days. This is a full-time, ten week internship with eight hour work days starting between 8am and 10am, with a one hour lunch break. The exact timeframe and schedule is flexible but we are aiming to have the intern from 5/30/2023 – 8/4/2023.

This is a paid internship: $19/hour for undergraduate students, and $20-$22/hour for graduate students.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE: 

The ideal candidate for this internship is a curious and detail oriented individual with a dedication and interest in research and data analysis.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

Job Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Research, including analysis of  journal articles and reports;
• News Research & Data Collection; 
• Review & Summarize Peer Reviewed Publications; and
• Other tasks as assigned by the Forensic Science Policy Specialist.

KEY COMPETENCIES:

• Strong to moderate understanding of NGS technologies.
• Knowledge of forensic fields, such as forensic biology, firearm and toolmark identification, bitemark analysis, forensic chemistry, toxicology, digital forensics, etc.
• Ability to efficiently read and interpret complex scientific literature.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills;
• Attention to detail along with a commitment to quality and proofreading; 
• Competency or experience in G-Suite; and 
• Interest in Advocacy, Criminal Justice, and Policy Reform as it relates to forensic science and contributors to wrongful conviction.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

WORKFORCE DIVERSITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT: 

The Innocence Project considers the diversity of its workforce to be vital to our organization’s success in meeting its mission.  We strongly encourage applicants from all cultures, races, educational backgrounds, life experiences, socio-economic classes, sexual orientations, age, gender, and physical abilities to apply. Individuals with personal connections to the criminal legal system are strongly encouraged to apply.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, it is our policy not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, familial status, marital status, predisposing genetic characteristics, actual or perceived domestic violence victim status, unemployment status, caregiver status, or any other category protected by law.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

To apply, please visit JazzHR. Upload a cover letter expressing your interest in the role and the organization’s work, and a resume titled with your name (last name. first name. cover letter/resume). Only applications with cover letters will be considered complete applications. Information submitted through this secure site is kept confidential. Due to the large volume of applications, we are unable to give applicant updates by phone or direct email. 

**Applications for this position will be considered on a rolling basis until the post is filled.**

LOCATION: New York City