Research Analyst

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Overview

The Research Analyst for the Justice for Everybody Movement at Yale is responsible for leading applied research, legal and policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, and strategic coordination related to equity and fairness in the legal system. This role supports Yale’s institutional
efforts to examine and address systemic disparities in sentencing, juvenile justice policy, parole eligibility, and implementation of justice-focused legislation.

Operating at the intersection of academic research, legislative strategy, and community partnership, the Research Analyst produces policy-relevant research while coordinating engagement among faculty, legal practitioners, lawmakers, advocacy organizations, and directly impacted communities. The role requires independent research capacity, strong analytical and legal writing skills, and the ability to translate complex legal and policy concepts into accessible materials for diverse audiences.

Research and Policy Analysis

• Conduct qualitative, doctrinal, and legal policy research related to equity and fairness in sentencing practices, juvenile justice reform, parole and post-conviction policy, and implementation of justice-oriented statutory frameworks.
• Analyze statutory schemes, case law developments, administrative guidance, and legislative trends to inform Yale-led research initiatives and public policy engagement.
• Prepare research memoranda, policy briefs, declarations, reports, and supporting documentation for academic, legal, and legislative partners.
• Contribute to the development, testing, and refinement of implementation tools, analytical frameworks, and policy guidance related to justice reform initiatives.
• Legislative and Legal Coordination Collaborate with public defenders, civil rights and public interest attorneys, law schools, and advocacy organizations to support research-informed legal and policy strategy.
• Develop briefing materials, summaries, and talking points for policymakers, institutional leaders, and external stakeholders.
• Track legislative developments, regulatory actions, and litigation trends; assess policy impact, implementation barriers, and opportunities for reform.

Stakeholder Engagement and Community Collaboration

• Coordinate and facilitate forums, briefings, convenings, and stakeholder meetings that connect faculty research with community knowledge and lived experience.
• Support coalition-building across academic, legal, policy, and advocacy networks.
• Ensure research initiatives reflect community-informed priorities and ethically incorporate perspectives of directly impacted individuals.

Program Documentation and Evaluation

• Prepare quarterly progress reports and impact summaries documenting research outputs, stakeholder engagement, and policy outcomes.
• Track measurable indicators of project effectiveness, including participation levels, dissemination of research materials, legislative activity, and implementation milestones.
• Contribute to strategic planning, grant reporting, and long-term sustainability efforts for justice reform initiatives housed at Yale.

Scope and Institutional Value

The Research Analyst requires independent judgment, research leadership, and sustained cross-sector coordination. The Research Analyst serves as a central liaison between academic scholarship and applied reform efforts, ensuring that Yale’s work in justice reform maintains both intellectual rigor and practical impact. The position advances Yale’s commitment to equity and systemic fairness in the legal system by producing actionable research, supporting evidence-based policy development, and strengthening partnerships that extend the university’s public impact.

Given the sustained nature of legislative reform cycles, ongoing implementation of justice-focused statutes, and continuous stakeholder engagement demands, this role reflects responsibilities consistent with a full-time professional research and policy position. The scope of work includes year-round research production, coordination of multi-party initiatives, event facilitation, legislative tracking, and institutional reporting.

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Experience with justice reform initiatives, post-conviction or appellate research, sentencing policy, juvenile justice, or reentry-related policy work.

2. Familiarity with translating academic or legal research into practical tools, policy guidance, or advocacy materials.
3. Experience engaging directly with impacted communities in research, policy development, or program evaluation contexts.
4. Background in nonprofit leadership, coalition work, or community-based policy initiatives.
5. Experience preparing reports, tracking outcomes, and contributing to strategic planning or grant-funded projects.

Preferred Skills and Abilities

1.Lived or professional experience that brings a grounded understanding of justice system operations and barriers to equitable
access.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Performs entry level professional duties ranging from routine to moderate difficulty providing the opportunity for professional training. 2. Performs assigned duties to acquire knowledge of methods, procedures and standards required for successful performance. 3. Supports various departments and may be transferred between departments depending on project requirements. 4. May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate school.

Job Posting Date

06/15/2026

Job Category

Professional

Bargaining Unit

NON

Compensation Grade

Administration & Operations

Compensation Grade Profile

Associate (23)

Salary Range

$65,000.00 - $101,000.00

Time Type

Full time

Duration Type

Staff Fixed Duration (Fixed Term)

Work Model

On-site

Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit "Learn about background checks" under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It's Your Yale website.

Health Requirements

Certain positions have associated health requirements based on specific job responsibilities. These may include vaccinations, tests, or examinations, as required by law, regulation, or university policy.

Posting Disclaimer

Salary offers are determined by a candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education in relation to the position requirements, along with the role’s grade profile and current internal and external market conditions.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through  their hiring department.

The University is committed to basing judgments concerning the admission, education, and employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities and seeks to attract to its faculty, staff, and student body qualified persons from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives. In accordance with this policy and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.

Inquiries concerning Yale's Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility (OIEA).

Note

Yale University is a tobacco-free campus.