Research Fellow

Alliance Defending Freedom•Washington, DC

7h•$89,900 - $141,100•Hybrid

About The Position

Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) is seeking a dedicated Research Fellow to join its Research & Innovation team. This role is crucial for anticipating legal and cultural threats, producing significant scholarship, and influencing litigation, legislation, and cultural discourse. The Research Fellow will report to and support a Senior Fellow in executing a research portfolio within ADF's strategic focus areas. These areas include artificial intelligence and freedom of speech and religion; global censorship and concentrated power; the intersection of biosciences and assisted reproductive technology with the right to life; online child safety and free speech; education freedom and parental rights; and religious liberty and public institutions. The Fellow may also support other team members as needed and will work under the guidance of the Senior Counsel and Vice President for Research & Policy Innovation, and the Special Counsel to the President.

Requirements

A J.D. or advanced graduate degree (M.A., M.S., or equivalent) in policy, theology, history, philosophy, political science, or a closely related field is strongly preferred; candidates with a strong undergraduate record and demonstrated research excellence may be considered.
A minimum of three years of experience.
Alignment with ADF’s mission.
Ability to engage the conservative movement and the Church with credibility and authenticity.

Responsibilities

Conduct legal, policy, and interdisciplinary research using AI-assisted and traditional methods to support a Senior Fellow's focus area.
Monitor legislative, regulatory, judicial, and cultural developments, preparing timely summaries and briefing materials.
Identify and synthesize emerging threats and opportunities for Senior Fellow evaluation.
Research and draft model legislation, regulatory comments, amicus brief suggestions, policy papers, and white papers.
Draft, edit, and prepare written work products such as research memoranda, background papers, annotated bibliographies, and first drafts.
Assist in preparing congressional and legislative testimony, talking points, and public commentary.
Ensure accuracy of citations, sources, and factual claims in all work products.
Assist in planning and executing events like colloquia, symposia, and strategic gatherings, including logistics, coordination, and documentation.
Prepare briefing materials, speaker profiles, and research summaries for external engagements and media appearances.
Support alliance-building by researching potential partners, institutions, and policy leaders.
Contribute to broader ADF programmatic events, conferences, and public lectures.
Collaborate with other Research Fellows and team members to share research findings and support cross-team initiatives.
Assist in maintaining ADF’s knowledge management systems and research infrastructure.