2026 Data Science & Research Intern

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 anti-racism. 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 250 people who, collectively, spent more than 4,000 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 Data Science & Research Intern provides support to the Data Science & Research Department reporting to the Research Data Coordinator and Director of Data Science and Research. The Data Science & Research department is in the process of undertaking various crucial efforts that will result in the most accurate and extensive list of variables per case of wrongful conviction in the world. The data will also be prime for scientific analysis to advance our understanding of wrongful convictions so that we can continue to exonerate innocent people, support individuals following exoneration/release from prison, and advance legislation to both prevent wrongful convictions and compensate innocent people for the time they erroneously lost. 

The primary focus of this internship is to support the Research Data Coordinator by reviewing case documents to identify missing data, make changes to existing data based on evolving scientific parameters, and to check existing data entries as part of an historical data audit. The Data Science & Research Intern may also support the Data Science & Research Team with other tasks as needed.

This position will be a 10-week paid internship with a maximum requirement of 40 hours per week. Duties will commence on Monday, June 1 and conclude on Friday, August 14. 

All Innocence Project employees must embrace, respect, and value the rich diversity of perspectives and experiences 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 that is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate for this internship is a detail-oriented individual who can work independently to follow research protocols accurately using a codebook (aka data dictionary) and understands when to seek clarification. Those who thrive with repetitive tasks, communicate frequently and clearly, and possess a strong work ethic will excel in this position. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Job duties include, but are not limited to:

• Reading case files, including court documents and police reports
• Manual data collection of multiple variables related to an individual’s wrongful conviction
• Other tasks as assigned by the Research Data Coordinator/Director of Data Science and Research

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Strong understanding of scientific and research methods
• General understanding of statistics
• Ability to efficiently read and comprehend complex legal case documents
• Demonstrated integrity and interpersonal skills
• Attention to detail along with a commitment to quality and accuracy
• Competency or experience in G-Suite
• Interest in Data Science, Criminal Justice, Social Sciences as it relates to research and furthering a scientific agenda that will provide greatly needed evidence for litigation, social work, and policy

KEY COMPETENCIES + VALUES

• Ability to communicate effectively
• Independent worker
• Strong sense of ethical responsibility and confidentiality
• Must be able to work with groups of diverse individuals in respectful, equitable, and inclusive ways
• Enthusiasm for the work of the Innocence Project and social justice, including a demonstrated commitment to public interest
• Shares in the IP’s values of accountability, collaboration, empathy + compassion, equity, person-centeredness, quality focus, and self-awareness

Benefits

WORKFORCE DIVERSITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

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,