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. We do this by exposing individuals and networks behind online hate and misinformation; introducing costs for those seeking to spread hate and misinformation; and providing public advice to stop their spread online.We are looking for a Research Officer to join our London office. This role will develop original research on digital hate and misinformation that has a tangible impact; write compelling briefings, blogs and reports; and identify opportunities to turn research into influential press interventions, campaigns and social media content.The successful candidate will have a relevant Masters degree or three years experience in a relevant research or investigations role. They will have an extensive working knowledge of social networks and a strong interest in online culture; a proven track record of writing compelling research on digital hate or misinformation; use excellent political and media judgement to identify opportunities; and present original and insightful research using excellent written and verbal communication skills. They will also have an understanding of key issues in misinformation around climate change, sexual and reproductive health (SRH) or online misogyny.This is an exciting opportunity to help produce influential research on key contemporary issues, from online hate and 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. We do not require degree-level formal education.If you are interested in this opportunity, please find below/attached the job description and person specification. Application is by way of CV and a cover letter, which should be sent to jobs (@) counterhate.com with "Research Officer Vacancy" as the subject line. Your cover letter should include your current notice period if applicable.The closing date for applications is midnight on Wednesday 17 March and interviews will take place from Monday 22 March. 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 Writing compelling articles, blogs, press notes and reports based on original research Using political and media judgement to identify opportunities to turn research into influential press and social interventions for the Center Monitoring social media to identify emerging trends on key topics Compiling well-organised and referenced knowledge bases on key topics Contributing to the maintenance of the organisations existing databases Developing the Centers understanding of the networks and mechanisms that spread hate and misinformation online, incorporating the latest academic research Developing the Centers understanding of online climate denial, misogyny and issues in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) Contributing original, in-depth open source research and analysis to reports Providing research support to the organisations other priorities as required Support the team in any other way that is required in a small organisation Person SpecificationEssential Masters degree in a relevant field (such as social science) or three years experience in a relevant profession (such as tech journalism or political research) Extensive working knowledge of social networks and strong interest in online culture Strong understanding of the political and media implications of social media trends An understanding of online climate denial, misogyny or issues in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) Proven ability to apply strong open source investigation skills to topical issues Experience of effectively monitoring social media to identify emerging trends Ability to apply political and media judgement to research priorities Basic data analysis skills using applications such as Microsoft Excel Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with experience of writing briefings, articles and contributing to reports or papers Proven ability to work to initiate projects and work to tight deadlines 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 deadlines Desirable Experience of writing original research on the topics of online hate or misinformation Experience of producing original research on online climate denial, misogyny or issues in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) Experience collaborating on complex campaigns, projects and reports Experience of operating social media accounts for a campaign or organisation Record of turning research into effective press or social media interventions Advanced data analysis or programming skills Experience of using project management software such as Trello