Digital Research Analyst

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.  

Why work for ISD?
ISD's Guiding Principles of  integrity, collaboration, agility and courage  define who we are as a team and an organization. These principles reflect our culture and guide the way we work and the choices we make.

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. 

Our 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!
  
  

Salary

$55,000 - $90,000 per annum, depending on experience.

Location

Washington, D.C. Hybrid / Remote

Please note that we are unable to provide Visa sponsorship or to accept applicants living outside of the US for this role.

Hours

This is a full-time salaried (exempt) position, 40 hours per week. 

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

ISD is committed to promoting diversity throughout its workforce and aims for its team to be truly representative of all sections of society. We make a concerted effort to ensure our workplace, employment policies and organisational culture creates an inclusive, positive and progressive environment in which all members of our team are treated with dignity and respect. For further information about this policy or our recruitment practices, please email vacancies@isdglobal.org.

The role

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. 

Key responsibilities include:

Threat Monitoring and Product Development (50%)

• 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.

Team Coordination and Synthesis (40%)

• 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.

Administrative Responsibilities (10%)

• Data management and cleanup, file storage and retention.

Please review the full job description for all of the expected responsibilities required here.