Senior Research Manager, Hate & Extremism

ISD is a think and do tank that works globally to safeguard public safety, national security, human rights and democracy in the digital age. Combining research and analysis with government advisory work and the design and delivery of international training, education and communications programs, ISD works to implement real-world, evidence-based responses to these challenges. ISD has teams in London, Amman, Berlin, Paris and Washington DC.

Why work for ISD?

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 organisation that's making an impact.

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

Our benefits

• Flexible and remote working based on ISD's Time Principles (Trust, Communication, Flexibility). 

• Generous paid time off policy, including a week of additional paid time off over Christmas.

• Health Insurance policy including healthcare covered at 80% by ISD for the primary employee, as well as vision, dental and fully employer-sponsored life insurance, short and long term disability policies. 

• 401k policy with generous employer match.

• Up to 6 weeks paid sick leave and other family-friendly policies. 

• Annual personal development and remote working budgets.

• Dedicated mental health counsellors on staff for those working with potentially traumatic content.

• Inclusive wellbeing program with regular wellbeing initiatives e.g. 'Digital Detox' in the month of August, and bi-annual all-staff retreats in Washington ,D.C.
  

Salary

$85,000 - $110,000 /year, depending on experience.

Location

You may work from our office in Washington DC, from home, or on a hybrid arrangement to suit you.

Contract type 

40 hours per week, fixed term position until 31 October 2026, extension subject to satisfactory performance and funding.

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.

We strongly encourage applications from people of colour, the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities, neurodivergent people, carers, and people from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.

The role

ISD is looking to recruit a Senior Research Manager to oversee a program of digital research in the US. The Senior Research Manger will provide day-to-day management of a research project analyzing complex quantitative and qualitative data, drawing out key trends and translating analysis into actionable written insights and briefings. They will drive and deliver innovative research on online hate and extremist movements across the spectrum, with a specific focus on antisemitism. They are also responsible for interpreting research findings into actionable policy insights, providing research-backed advisory support on effective interventions and prevention measures.

Key responsibilities include:

Research Management (40%)

• Drive a robust program of quantitative and qualitative analysis of online hate and extremism across various ideologically extremist, hostile state-linked and mainstream communities, with a central focus on antisemitism.

• Manage a small team of analysts to interpret data into actionable insights, deliver a range of outputs for stakeholders, and lead on producing ad hoc briefings and publications as necessary.

Digital Analysis (40%)

• Interpret large datasets from social media using the selection of tools available to ISD researchers to help analyze the spread, nature, volume and reception of online hate and extremist activity.

• Draft reports, insight briefings and communications to both expert and lay audiences to summarise research findings.

• Monitor emerging trends in online hate and extremism – with a focus on antisemitism - to inform the design and constant evolution of effective methods, processes and technologies for online analytics.

Policy Analysis (20%)

• Develop policy responses to online hate and extremism, and disseminate findings to a network of stakeholders, including knowledge-sharing briefings and external representation.

• Translate research into actionable findings on the delivery, timing, nature and efficacy of measures to counter online hate and extremism, including working with evaluations structures.

• Provide internal advisory on US public affairs and policy developments.

To view the full job description and responsibilities, please click here.

The ideal candidate

This individual will drive and deliver innovative research on online hate and extremist movements across the spectrum, with a specific focus on antisemitism. They are also responsible for interpreting research findings into actionable policy insights, providing research-backed advisory support on effective interventions and prevention measures.

Please review our  job description for essential criteria, and keep in mind that no candidate will meet every requirement in the advert. If your experience looks a little different from what we've identified, but you think you can bring value to the role, we'd love to hear from you.

How to apply

Please submit your application by 5th December 2025. ISD reserves the right to interview and appoint candidates prior to the advertised closing date.

If you have any further questions about this vacancy or want to speak to a member of our recruitment team, please contact vacancies@isdglobal.org.