The Reiss Center on Law and Security (RCLS) is currently accepting applications to its cohort of RCLS Student Scholars for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Reiss Center Student Scholars serve as integral members of the Reiss Center and its community of renowned scholars and practitioners, contributing research to the Center’s publications and programming. Student Scholars will also work with the editors of the online forum Just Security as Student Staff Editors. All rising 2L and 3L students at NYU School of Law are eligible to apply.
The Student Scholars program will appeal to students interested in careers in national security and foreign policy, either in government, private sector, non-profit or other settings. Research opportunities and programmatic activities touch on areas such as constitutional law, U.S. foreign relations law, international humanitarian and human rights law, civil liberties, as well as related policy topics.
In past years, Reiss Center Student Scholars have:
- Contributed to original research as well as an award-winning open-source platform on war powers;
- Helped shape and prepare the topics and substance of the Reiss Center’s far-ranging and popular programming;
- Had pieces published under their own bylines in Just Security;
- Attended private Reiss Center sessions with high-level experts;
- Been sponsored for participation in external conferences.
Founded in 2003, the Reiss Center is a non-partisan multidisciplinary research institute at NYU School of Law. In all its work, the Reiss Center studies national security law and practice against the backdrop of an era defined by significant change—from geopolitical developments to rapid technological advances—as well as enduring challenges. Our program of study includes three core areas: National Security at Home: Domestic Law, Policy, and Process; Use of Force and Emerging Security Threats; and National Security in a Shifting Geopolitical Context.
The Reiss Center is also home to Just Security, the online forum on law, rights, and national security. Just Security aims to promote principled and pragmatic solutions to national security problems that decision-makers face. Its Board of Editors includes individuals with significant government experience, civil society attorneys, academics, and other leading voices.
Responsibilities and Qualifications
Competitive candidates will possess:
- Strong, demonstrated research and writing skills;
- Enthusiasm for contributing to the Reiss Center’s and Just Security’s mission and work;
- Professional experience in related fields—including national security, foreign policy, and/or journalism—is a plus;
- Related coursework is also a plus.
Position Description:
- Student Scholars will contribute to the Center’s mission through in-house research for the Executive Director and by working with the Just Security
- Fellows affiliated with the Center—including former senior legal and policy national security officials, among many others—are also invited to draw upon the pool of Student Scholars for research assistance, as are the Center’s Faculty Directors.
- Student Scholars will provide research and support for Just Security staff and contribute to articles on the forum, and may enjoy opportunities to publish original writing.
- Additionally, Student Scholars will be expected to attend the Center’s events and panel discussions; will be invited to participate in certain RCLS private convenings; and will be encouraged to participate in the national security law and policy community that the Center works to cultivate at NYU Law.
- RCLS Student Scholars will be paid at the NYU Law hourly rate for research assistants, currently $15 / hour.
Requirements:
- The Student Scholar program will commence at the end of August 2023 and conclude at the end of the school year, with potential for ongoing assignments during summer 2024 if mutually desirable.
- Student Scholars will be asked to commit to approximately 4-6 research hours per week, with the understanding that the hours may change or fluctuate week by week based on the needs of the Center and its affiliated people. Flexibility, strong communication, and professionalism in completing assignments are a must.
Application Process:
Interested students should submit applications consisting of:
- Cover letter detailing qualifications, including research assistance experience;
- Resume;
- Brief writing sample (original writing other than 1L lawyering brief is preferred if available); and
- Unofficial law school transcript
Applications can be sent to the attention of RCLS Operations Manager Marianna Kozak, at rcls.law@nyu.edu.
Applications should be submitted by 5:00pm on March 29, 2023. Finalists may be asked to participate in a subsequent interview process. We hope to extend final offers prior to the start of Reading Week.