Research Justice at the Intersections

The Research Justice at the Intersections (RJI) Program at the Mills Institute at Northeastern, Oakland, fosters social justice-oriented research and groundbreaking critical analysis by creating an interdisciplinary community of scholars. RJI scholars consider new forms of knowledge production that challenge traditional research hierarchies, mobilize the leadership of those directly affected by the investigated phenomena, and acknowledge and promote subaltern ways of knowing. The RJI Program offers a small group of competitively selected scholars the opportunity to engage in critical working groups during one academic year (renewable up to three years). RJI scholars meet every two weeks over the academic year to share and comment on works in progress, then present their work at a Spring Symposium. The 2025-26 RJI program will run from September 8, 2025, to April 24, 2026. Residency is not required, though Bay Area-based participants will have access to campus events, research resources, and in-person meeting opportunities.

Responsibilities

While part of the RJI program, participants are expected to:

• Attend a virtual orientation from 12-2 pm PT/3-5 ET on Friday, September 5, 2025.
• Meet biweekly as a group to exchange and provide critical yet supportive feedback on others’ projects.
• Advance and share work-in-progress with the RJI group. Many participants work on writing projects, but we welcome non-writing, community-driven work such as oral history projects, podcasts, digital work, creative expression, etc.
• Assist in organizing, publicizing, and presenting work at a Spring Symposium.

Eligibility

The RJI Fellowship Program is open to:

• Scholars whose work examines the intersections of race, class, gender, sexuality, religion, and/or nation and who are interested in exploring ideas related to a research justice framework in their work.
• Scholars holding a PhD, terminal degree in their field, or equivalent community work experience from any discipline.
• Scholars from any country (please note The Mills Institute at Northeastern cannot provide legal advice or financial assistance regarding visas).
• Current Northeastern faculty and researchers from across the global network are highly encouraged to apply!

Benefits

In addition to participation in the biweekly research and writing meetings and presenting at the symposium, RJI Fellows receive:

• Northeastern Oakland library access (access to over 60 e-databases, 40,000 journal titles, and 140,000 ebooks)
• Northeastern email address (upon request)
• Oakland area-based scholars will have access to Northeastern University, Oakland campus resources, including archival and museum collections.
• Eligibility to apply for a $3000 grant (for a specific aspect of the RJI project not already covered by other funding)

Please Note
Beyond the grant eligibility noted above, RJI Fellows are neither financially compensated nor receive housing accommodation and must arrange their travel to and from the Northeastern Oakland, California campus.

The Mills Institute at Northeastern is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by the law.

Application Instructions

Submit the following application materials as PDF attachments to rji@northeastern.edu:

• Cover Letter that describes history with and/or interest in research justice practices (i.e., new forms of knowledge production that challenge traditional research hierarchies, mobilize the leadership of those directly affected by the investigated phenomena, and acknowledge and promote subaltern ways of knowing), outlines how your current project fits a research justice framework, details research justice goals you plan to accomplish during the project period, and outlines how participating in the interdisciplinary RJI group will advance your project (i.e., in relation to your profession and social transformation).
• Curriculum Vitae.
• Writing sample of no more than 25 pages (excluding notes and bibliography) or sample of other exemplary work.