Data Research Officer

Job Description

The Center for Countering Digital Hate is a non-profit organisation that analyses and actively disrupts the architecture of online hate and misinformation. Our cutting edge research has an impact: this year we have countered vaccine misinformation, uprooted far-right networks and shut off sources of funding to websites spreading hatred.We are now looking for a Data Research Officer to join our London office. This role will lead on developing new digital techniques for monitoring online hate and misinformation; scraping useful qualitative and quantitative data from social networks; and producing original data-driven research to support our campaigns and reports.The successful candidate will have a relevant Masters degree or three years experience in a relevant research role. They will have proven experience of producing original and insightful analysis of social media data; the ability to communicate findings in compelling writing and visualisations; a deep understanding of how social media operates; and be capable of developing new digital tools and methods to further the Centers understanding of online hate and misinformation.This is an exciting opportunity to produce influential research on key contemporary issues, from online hate to the anti-vaccine movement. You will join a small but rapidly expanding team, with opportunities to get involved in different projects and pitch new ideas.We believe that our work will be at its best if it is created by people with a range of backgrounds and experiences. We are keen to interview people who will add diversity to our team.If you are interested in this opportunity, please find below the job description and person specification. Application is by way of CV and a cover letter, which should be sent to with "Data Research Vacancy" as the subject line. Your cover letter should include your current notice period if applicable.The closing date for applications is Thursday 6 May and interviews will take place from Wednesday 12 May. Shortlisted applicants will be asked to complete a work-related task and provide two examples of relevant work.Job Description Investigating how digital hate and misinformation is spread and funded Building effective new systems for monitoring online trends and conversations Providing rapid analysis of emerging trends in online hate and misinformation Scraping useful qualitative and quantitative data from social media networks Presenting research findings in clear writing and compelling visualisations Contributing original, in-depth digital research and analysis to reports Identifying opportunities to turn research into effective media interventions Managing and improving the organisations existing databases Providing research support to the organisations other priorities as required Support the team in any other way that is required in a small organisationPerson SpecificationEssential Masters degree in a relevant field (such as social or computer science) or three years experience in a relevant profession (such as data journalism or think tank research) Technical understanding of social networks and strong interest in online culture Knowledge of open source digital research and verification techniques Ability to extract useful qualitative and quantitative data from social media networks Working knowledge of programming languages such as Python or R Proficient with basic data applications such as Microsoft Excel Ability to communicate research findings in compelling visualisations Familiarity with social media monitoring tools such as Tweetdeck and CrowdTangle Ability to identify research opportunities that support our organisations policy goals Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with experience of writing briefings and contributing to reports or papers A commitment to our organisations values Ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality of organisational information Ability to work in a small team where workload is shared to meet tight deadlinesDesirable Experience researching online climate denial, misogyny or hate Experience of operating social media accounts for a campaign or organisation Experience of using project management software such as Trello