Digital Research Analyst

ISD • Washington / Remote, DC

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

ISD is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to safeguarding democratic integrity, freedom, national security, public safety and individual rights by reversing the rising global tide of polarization, extremism, foreign interference and authoritarianism. For 20 years, ISD has been at the forefront of analyzing, exposing and combatting all forms of terrorism, extremism, foreign interference, digital manipulation and authoritarianism, helping equip institutions, communities and the private sector with the tools, policies and skills to achieve impact at scale. Combining research and analysis with government advisory work and the design and delivery of training, education and communications programs, ISD works to implement real-world, evidence-based responses to these challenges. ISD is not your ordinary think tank. We turn research into action that changes the world. Our insights don't gather dust on shelves - they power the fight to protect democracy and human rights on the front lines. We're committed to delivering real change, from the grassroots to the highest levels of global institutions. And we're looking for passionate individuals who share our commitment to making a difference. Join us and be part of an organization that's making an impact. The Digital Research Analyst conducts research into threats to public safety and democratic integrity – including, but not limited to, those that target individuals and infrastructure in the United States. The analyst will conduct quantitative and qualitative digital research into groups, movements, and networks to identify credible, specific, and/or imminent threats and online trends that have the potential to influence offline mobilization and activities that pose a risk of violent escalation. The analyst will contribute to and lead quality control of various internal- and stakeholder-facing outputs, such as monthly trends briefs, analytical products, and briefings for expert audiences. The analyst will work closely with other digital research analysts, as well as with senior managers and directors across the ISD-US team.

Requirements

• Conducts research into threats to public safety and democratic integrity
• Conducts quantitative and qualitative digital research into groups, movements, and networks
• Identifies credible, specific, and/or imminent threats and online trends
• Contributes to and leads quality control of various internal- and stakeholder-facing outputs
• Works closely with other digital research analysts, as well as with senior managers and directors

Nice To Haves

• Experience with ethnographic monitoring and tools (e.g. Pyrra, Brandwatch)

Responsibilities

• Conduct qualitative and quantitative analysis, through ethnographic monitoring and tools (e.g. Pyrra, Brandwatch), to detect the following trends: Online activity including threats that may pose a risk to the safety and security of public officials, infrastructure, political figures, or voters. Emerging activities tied to militias, anti-government adherents, and extremist groups that pose threats to public safety. Analyze impact of real-world events/developments on threats to the safety and security of democratic integrity and infrastructure. Produce clear and concise analytical products based on threat investigations. Contribute material for briefings to external stakeholders.
• Work with project managers and directors to ensure team priorities are aligned and communicated effectively. Review and copyedit collaborative products, serving as the backup to the team lead on quality control and copyediting. Support/produce other briefs as needed. Contribute to managing team-wide project management tracker.
• Data management and cleanup, file storage and retention.

Benefits

• Flexible and remote working based on ISD's ‘Time Principles’ (Trust, Communication and Flexibility)
• 20 days paid time off + an average of 11 public holidays observed annually + an additional week of paid time off during our company-wide holiday closure at the end of the year
• Up to 6 weeks of paid sick leave per year
• Company-sponsored health insurance policy including comprehensive health (via BCBS), vision, and dental plans (via Principal)
• Other ancillary benefits such as FSA/HSA and commuter savings in certain metro areas
• 401k including competitive company match
• Annual personal development budget, remote working allowance, and more!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed