Summary
The Federal Judicial Center (Center) is the federal courts' agency for research and continuing education. Congress established the Center in 1967 as a separate organization within the federal judicial system at the request of the Judicial Conference of the United States. A nine-member board, chaired by the Chief Justice of the United States, determines its basic policies.
Duties
The Research Division undertakes empirical research related to the operation of the federal courts, often at the request of the Judicial Conference of the United States and its committees, specific courts, or other groups in the federal court system. The primary duties and responsibilities of the graduate student research assistant are to provide support to Research Division project teams in the design and conduct of social science research aimed at discovering innovative or improved approaches to the judicial administration in federal appellate, district, and bankruptcy courts. Specific duties and responsibilities, generally exercised under the guidance of a Research Associate or Senior Research Associate, may include support with:
- Conducting literature reviews
- Organizing, coding, and analyzing data
- Creating and documenting datasets
- Creating tables and graphs to present research findings
- Developing research instruments such as interview protocols, questionnaires, and coding protocols
- Writing and administering online surveys
- Writing reports of research findings
The Federal Judicial Center offers a range of telework and flexible work schedule options based on the employee's position categorization. The Graduate Student Research Assistant position is a remote-eligible position and will not require relocation.
Qualifications
- Currently enrolled and seeking a graduate degree in a social or behavioral science discipline such as psychology, sociology, or political science at an accredited educational institution, on a full-time basis
- Experience working in a research environment either as a paid employee, intern, or volunteer, or as part of a graduate school program
- Knowledge of statistical programs such as SAS, SPSS, STATA, and R
- Knowledge of database management programs such as Excel, Access, or FileMaker
- Strong writing skills
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work collaboratively
Summer graduate student research assistants are asked to commit to at least eight weeks of employment for 30 to 39 hours per week. Spring and fall semester graduate student research assistants are asked to commit to 12 to 15 hours per week. Graduate student research assistants are limited to working a maximum of 39 hours per week.
Additional requirements
Selectee must be a United States Citizen, subject to the exceptions enumerated at https://www.uscourts.gov/careers/search-judiciary-jobs/citizenship-requirements-employment-judiciary. Selectee must favorably complete a background investigation. Relatives of Center staff members may not be employed at the Center in any capacity. All requirements must be met for full consideration. The Federal Judicial Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to achieving a professional and collegial workplace in which everyone is valued and treated fairly and respectfully.
How to apply
The Federal Judicial Center recruits graduate student research assistants for the Fall, Spring and Summer semesters. Applicants must be current graduate students (Master's or PhD).
Fall Semester dates: September - December. Fall Semester application deadline: July 5
Spring Semester dates: January - April. Spring Semester application deadline: September 27
Summer Semester dates: May - August. Summer Semester application deadline: February 28
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and should include the following materials:
- Cover letter explaining how you meet the qualifications stated above, and indicating whether you are applying for Summer, Fall, and/or Spring
- Unofficial transcript (or proof of enrollment if you are a first semester student)
- Resume
- The name and contact information of at least one reference
Please email all application materials to ResearchHiring@fjc.gov. You may also direct any questions about the position to this address.
