About This Position
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.
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; and 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.
Major 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; and 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.
Conditions of Employment
Key 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 diverse workforce and an inclusive work culture. It strives to maintain a professional and collegial workplace in which everyone is valued and treated fairly and respectfully.
Education
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.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Additional Information
SALARY AND BENEFITS: Graduate Students (first and second year): $19.65 per hour Graduate Students (third year or completed degree): $22.11 per hour This position is part time. Benefits are not applicable for this position.
How to Apply
The Federal Judicial Center recruits graduate student research assistants for the Fall, Spring and Summer semesters. Fall Semester dates: September - December. Fall Semester application deadline: July 6 Spring Semester dates: January - April. Spring Semester application deadline: September 28 Summer Semester dates: May - August. Summer Semester application deadline: March 1 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; and The name and contact information of at least one reference. Please email all application materials to [email protected]. You may also direct any questions about the position to this address.
Required Documents
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; and The name and contact information of at least one reference. Please see the "How to Apply" section.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for the Graduate Student Research Assistant position at Judicial Branch - Agency Wide?
The salary range for this position is $20 - $22/hr. This is a AD-00 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Graduate Student Research Assistant job located?
This position is located in Washington, District of Columbia. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
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; Kn...
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is May 26, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
No security clearance is required for this position.
What does AD-00 mean?
AD-00 refers to the General Schedule grade level. Higher grades require more experience and offer higher pay. Visit our GS Pay Scale page for full salary tables by grade and locality.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.