Research Scholar/Graduate Fellowship

The Center on Race, Inequality, and the Law at NYU School of Law engages in research, public education, advocacy, and litigation to advance its mission of shaping how people understand, diagnose, and address issues of race and inequality. The Center’s priorities include: shaping the public discourse and consciousness around race and inequality; addressing the influence of race and inequality in the criminal legal system; confronting the racial justice implications of technology and algorithmic decision-making tools in the criminal legal system and other systems that govern people’s lives; challenging the forces that drive racial segregation and economic disadvantage in communities of color; and infusing legal education with a racial justice lens. All interested persons are encouraged to apply.

We are seeking applications for our Graduate Fellowship, which supports the professional development of a candidate interested in pursuing or continuing a career focused on racial justice.

The fellow will play an integral role in the Center’s work, under the supervision of the Center’s Faculty Director, Professor Vincent Southerland, and the Center’s Executive Director, Patrice Sulton. The fellow will be expected to actively participate in the Center’s research, public education, advocacy, organizing, litigation, events, and programming. Over the course of the fellowship, fellows generally have the opportunity to develop and produce research reports on a range of racial justice issues, draft amicus submissions in state and federal courts across the country, and engage in the Center’s ongoing advocacy and organizing work with and on behalf of communities of color. Fellows may also have the opportunity to manage and supervise undergraduate students, law students, and consultants working on behalf of the Center.

The fellow will be appointed for one year, but the fellowship may be renewed for a second year, contingent upon the fellow's satisfactory performance and the availability of funding. The fellowship start date is negotiable, based on the Center’s priorities and the candidate’s availability, although it generally will commence by late August 2026. The fellowship salary is commensurate with experience and includes full benefits.

The fellow will be appointed for one year, but the fellowship may be renewed for a second year, contingent upon the fellow's satisfactory performance and the availability of funding. The fellowship start date is negotiable, based on the Center’s priorities and the candidate’s availability, although it generally will commence by late August 2026. The fellowship salary is commensurate with experience and includes full benefits.

In compliance with NYC's Pay Transparency Act, the annual base salary range for this position is $75,000 - $80,000. New York University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. Compensation includes excellent benefits, including medical, dental, and vision.

To learn more about the Center on Race, Inequality, and the Law, visit  Questions may be addressed to the Hiring Committee via email at [email protected], with the subject line “CRIL Fellowship Application Question.”

Qualifications

Candidates should possess a JD, LLM, or equivalent legal training; distinguished analytical, research, and writing skills; a demonstrated interest in racial justice; and up to 10 years of professional and/or legal experience. Candidates with additional professional training or personal experiences that intersect with race and inequality are encouraged to apply.

Application Instructions

To apply, please submit the materials listed below in a single PDF to Interfolio via apply.interfolio.com/179941. Your application should include:

1. Résumé
2. Writing sample
3. List of three references (with email addresses)
4. Cover letter explaining which focus area is of most interest to you and why:

• Race + Tech
• Race + Punishment
• Race + Society
• Race + Culture