Research Associate, WMD/CBRN, Digital Forensic Research Lab

The Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRLab) is seeking to hire an open-source researcher to track information manipulation and disinformation relating to weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) policy issues. This research will focus primarily on disinformation narratives arising from Russia’s war against Ukraine. Our ideal candidate will be an experienced researcher with Russian and/or Ukrainian language proficiency, a demonstrated passion for both qualitative and quantitative study of internet trends, and a desire to share their knowledge with an international platform and audience.

The Research Associate will join a dynamic and collaborative global research team. They will work with the DFRLab’s internationally distributed staff and broader Atlantic Council expert community to achieve project goals. They will also help build and manage a network of international partners to coordinate research activities related to WMD/CBRN disinformation. They will conduct trainings and pursue policy engagements as appropriate.

We are currently hiring for an immediate start. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until a candidate has been selected for this position. The DFRLab is deeply committed to diversity. We strongly encourage people from any region, women, people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, new parents, single parents, people with disabilities, veterans, and people of various educational backgrounds to apply.

Job Location

This job location is flexible, although candidates should expect to travel internationally on occasion to fulfill project objectives. While we do not require the Research Associate to be based in a particular country, the security implications of each candidate’s current country of residence will be taken into consideration.

Job Responsibilities

• Conduct open-source investigative research into Ukrainian and Russian information environment, with a particular focus on narratives arising from Russia’s war against Ukraine and WMD/CBRN issues.
• Prepare short summaries and analyses of relevant narratives, as well as contribute to long-form think tank reports and peer-reviewed journal articles;
• Gather and analyze relevant narrative data, modes of disinformation dissemination, and techniques used;
• Coordinate research and workflow with a diverse range of partner organizations;
• Conduct trainings in research techniques;
• Conduct briefings for government and civil society on research outcomes;
• Identify and pursue original research leads; and
• Assist with broader team reporting, as needed.

• Fluency in English;
• Proficiency in Ukrainian or Russian strongly preferred; 
• Excellent research writing skills in English in both long (e.g., report-length) and short (e.g., newspaper article) formats;
• Experience and passion for open-source research methodologies;
• Able to work independently on project outputs;
• Professional experience interacting with civil society groups and/or government officials;
• Willingness to coordinate across time zones and be available at least four hours daily on Eastern Standard Time, regardless of home base;
• Willingness to travel internationally;
• Knowledge of WMD/CBRN policy, especially regarding recent events and international legal obligations;
• Knowledge of the Ukrainian political landscape; and
• Demonstrated interest in the overlap between international relations, human rights, journalism, technology trends, social media, and online information environments.

Bonus Qualifications

• Previous English-language publication history, either in academic or popular press;
• Previous published work on WMD/CBRN policy issues;
• Experience in running research trainings or instruction;
• Experience in specific open-source research methodologies, including but not limited to: 
  • narratives analysis;
  • DISARM framework;
  • information verification;
  • geolocation techniques; and
  • social media monitoring/listening;
• Proficiency with data analysis platforms, dashboards, and scripting languages (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Python, R); and/or
• Demonstrated passion for both qualitative and quantitative research methods - if you have a Github or digital project you’re proud of, be sure to include a link!

Recruitment Process + Application Instructions

The recruitment process will entail two progressive interview rounds with DFRLab staff, along with a written exercise in English and follow-up conversation for those advanced to the final round. The first interview will be with members of the DFRLab team who have relevant substantive expertise, while the second will be with staff who would manage or directly coordinate with the candidate.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until a candidate has been selected for this position. All documents uploaded as part of the application should be named in the following format: "SURNAME-First Name-Resume" and "SURNAME-First Name-CL".