Position Title: Researcher, Digital Harms & Extremism
Location: Southeast Asia (Remote)
Hours: 40 hours/week, Full-time
Contract Duration: 1 year, with renewal subject to satisfactory performance and funding
Deadline: December 19, 2025
Job Description
The Center for the Study of Organized Hate (CSOH) is seeking a full-time Researcher on Digital Harms and Extremism to expand our data driven research and analysis of online hate, extremist narratives, disinformation, and related online harms emerging from and impacting Southeast Asia. The ideal candidate is deeply familiar with Southeast Asian political, social, and digital ecosystems; has strong research and writing skills; can conduct open-source intelligence research, and is able to work independently as well as in a team.
This role will contribute to CSOH’s core research outputs, including publications such as reports, policy briefs, analyses, expert commentary, and media explainers, and support the development of research workflows, tools, and partnerships across the region.
We offer a competitive salary based on experience and qualifications, along with opportunities for professional growth in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Monitor online platforms to identify emerging narratives, trends, and actors involved in digital hate, extremism, disinformation, and foreign influence operations.
- Track keywords, images, symbols, and actors associated with extremist and hate-based ecosystems across Southeast Asia.
- Analyze cross-platform patterns, amplification networks, and the offline impacts of digital hate, extremist content, and online mobilization.
- Collect and analyze large datasets derived from social media and other online sources.
- Help maintain internal databases and ensure data consistency, accuracy, and confidentiality.
- Support the development and refinement of research workflows, methodologies, coding systems, and internal processes.
- Interpret findings based on qualitative and quantitative research on extremist messaging, disinformation, and online harms targeting vulnerable communities.
- Draft high quality research reports, policy briefs, explainers, and analyses for expert and public-facing audiences.
- Collaborate with CSOH team members on data-driven and investigative projects.
- Work closely with CSOH’s cross-jurisdictional partners in the EU, UK, US, Australia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.
Qualifications and Skills
- Master’s degree or equivalent professional experience in a relevant field aligned with the key responsibilities.
- Solid understanding of political, social, and digital ecosystems in Southeast Asia, including issues related to extremism, disinformation, and religious nationalism.
- At least 2 years of demonstrated experience researching digital harms, extremist movements, online hate, disinformation, or influence operations in Southeast Asia.
- Strong familiarity with online platforms, OSINT tools, and digital research methodologies.
- Excellent analytical, writing, and editing skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear, accessible outputs.
- Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines in a fully remote environment.
- High professional integrity, sound judgment, and sensitivity when working with harmful or disturbing content.
- Experience working with research institutions, think tanks, academic centers, or civil society organizations.
- Proficiency in one or more Southeast Asian languages (e.g., Burmese, Malay, Indonesian, Filipino, etc.).
- Familiarity with global digital rights, freedom of expression, platform governance, or related policy issues.
Compensation and Benefits
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience and regional benchmarks.
- Remote work flexibility with support for digital tools and training.
- Opportunities for professional development, regional travel (if needed), and participation in global conferences or workshops.
- Inclusive, collaborative, and mission-driven team culture.
CSOH is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and non-discriminatory workplace. We value diversity in all its forms and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including race, religion, caste, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, and other personal characteristics protected by U.S. laws. We believe that diverse perspectives strengthen our work in combating all forms of hate and extremism.