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Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming nearly every aspect of society, from education and employment to healthcare, governance, and civic participation. As AI technologies continue to influence public life, organizations around the world are working to ensure these systems remain transparent, accountable, and centered on human dignity.

The Data & Society Research Institute is currently inviting applications for the position of Senior Researcher, AI Civics, offering an exciting opportunity for experienced researchers passionate about artificial intelligence, civic engagement, public policy, and participatory research. This fully remote position is designed for professionals who want to shape how communities engage with AI while producing impactful research that influences public understanding and democratic governance.

The successful candidate will play a leading role in a groundbreaking two-year AI Civics program that aims to empower communities, strengthen civic participation, and create practical resources that enable the public to influence AI governance.

Applications close on July 30, 2026.

About Data & Society Research Institute

Data & Society is an independent nonprofit research organization dedicated to studying the social impacts of data-driven technologies and automation.

The institute recognizes that while technologies such as Artificial Intelligence offer tremendous opportunities, they can also create significant challenges, including:

• Privacy violations
• Algorithmic discrimination
• Unequal access to opportunities
• Social inequality
• Community harm
• Reduced public accountability

Through rigorous research, inclusive collaboration, and evidence-based policymaking, the organization works toward ensuring that technological innovation benefits society while protecting human rights and democratic values.

About the AI Civics Program

The AI Civics Program is a newly launched initiative focused on helping communities actively shape how Artificial Intelligence is designed, governed, and deployed.

Rather than allowing AI systems to evolve without public participation, this initiative seeks to strengthen democratic involvement by developing practical civic tools that enable communities to influence AI policies and technology governance.

The program aims to:

• Increase public participation in AI governance
• Build community control over AI technologies
• Develop educational toolkits
• Produce training resources
• Support community organizations
• Strengthen civic networks across the United States
• Build a national coalition advocating for democratic accountability in AI

Working closely with national partner organizations, the program will use participatory approaches to ensure that community voices directly influence the future of AI governance.

Position Overview

Job Title: Senior Researcher, AI Civics

Organization: Data & Society Research Institute

Work Location: Fully Remote (United States)

Program Duration:

• Expected Start: September 2026
• Expected End: May 31, 2028

This is a two-year fixed-term position with no expectation of extension.

The successful applicant will report directly to the Program Director and will become one of the lead researchers driving the AI Civics initiative.

Salary and Employee Benefits

Successful candidates will receive an attractive compensation package.

Annual Salary

• $78,000–$97,000 per year
• Salary is determined based on:
  • Experience
  • Skills
  • Qualifications
  • Market considerations
  • Organizational budget
  • Internal salary equity

Employee Benefits

Employees are eligible for an excellent benefits package that includes:

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid federal holidays
• 401(k) retirement management
• Additional optional insurance products
• Other employee support services

What You Will Do

The Senior Researcher will lead mission-critical research projects while working closely with community organizations, policymakers, researchers, and educators.

The role combines:

• Research
• Partnership development
• Civic engagement
• Policy analysis
• Curriculum design
• Public education
• Community collaboration

Primary Responsibilities

1. Lead Participatory Research Projects

The successful candidate will:

• Build and maintain relationships with community organizations
• Conduct participatory action research
• Collaborate with civic organizations
• Engage local leaders
• Support public sector stakeholders
• Coordinate research partnerships

2. Develop Educational Resources

One of the major responsibilities involves co-creating practical resources that communities can use to better understand and influence AI systems.

These include:

• AI toolkits
• Facilitation guides
• Educational curricula
• Community training resources
• Templates
• Learning materials

3. Conduct Community-Based Research

The researcher will:

• Design research methodologies
• Collect qualitative data
• Analyze findings
• Produce evidence-based recommendations
• Improve educational materials using community feedback

4. Produce High-Impact Publications

The position requires producing a variety of research outputs, including:

• Case studies
• Academic papers
• Research reports
• Public policy briefs
• Educational publications
• Blog articles
• Public-facing essays
• Lectures

5. Facilitate Workshops

Working alongside the Program Director, the Senior Researcher will help organize:

• Co-design workshops
• Community engagement sessions
• Train-the-trainer programs
• Participatory research activities
• Capacity-building events

6. Build Strategic Partnerships

The successful candidate will help expand the AI Civics network by:

• Identifying new collaborators
• Building relationships with organizations
• Coordinating research partnerships
• Supporting civic coalitions

7. Coordinate Internal Research Activities

Responsibilities include:

• Working with internal research teams
• Participating in seminars
• Joining research meetings
• Supporting organizational learning
• Contributing to interdisciplinary collaboration

8. Support Communications

The role also includes helping communicate with AI Civics partners by preparing:

• Program updates
• Event announcements
• Meeting summaries
• Partnership communications

9. Assist Fundraising Activities

The Senior Researcher will contribute to fundraising by:

• Supporting grant applications
• Drafting proposal materials
• Working with the Development Team
• Identifying future funding opportunities

10. Contribute to Organizational Development

Researchers are expected to actively participate in organizational life through:

• Staff meetings
• Research seminars
• Reading groups
• Internal workshops
• Retreats
• Town halls
• Diversity initiatives
• Professional development

Required Qualifications

Applicants should possess the following qualifications:

• Graduate degree or equivalent
• At least 7–10 years of research experience
• Expertise in participatory research
• Strong qualitative research skills
• Excellent publication record
• Public speaking and communication experience
• Strong writing and analytical abilities
• Ability to manage research projects independently
• Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams
• Familiarity with academic literature in relevant fields

Applicants should also have expertise in one or more of these sectors:

• K-12 Education
• Labor
• Faith organizations
• Advocacy organizations
• Civic institutions

Preferred Qualifications

Although not mandatory, the following qualifications are highly desirable:

• Doctoral degree
• Experience with nonprofit organizations
• Civic engagement expertise
• Public policy research experience
• Program evaluation experience
• Organizational research experience
• Community organizing experience
• Public interest technology expertise
• Broad interdisciplinary knowledge

Core Skills and Competencies

Ideal candidates should demonstrate:

• Excellent communication skills
• Outstanding writing ability
• Strong editorial skills
• Leadership
• Critical thinking
• Analytical reasoning
• Organizational skills
• Consensus-building ability
• Adaptability
• Sound judgment
• Problem-solving skills
• Relationship management
• Project coordination
• Public engagement

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Data & Society is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace.

Employees are expected to:

• Promote diversity and inclusion
• Participate in anti-racism initiatives
• Support equity-focused programming
• Attend professional development sessions
• Contribute to inclusive workplace culture
• Participate in working groups and committees when appropriate

The organization values diverse perspectives and encourages candidates from a wide range of backgrounds to apply.

Important Employment Information

Applicants should note the following conditions:

• This is a full-time remote position.
• The organization operates as a Remote-First workplace.
• Occasional onsite meetings may be required in the future.
• Employment begins in September 2026.
• The appointment concludes on May 31, 2028.
• The position is fixed-term with no expectation of renewal.
• Employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before joining, subject to applicable accommodation processes.
• Candidates must already be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Visa sponsorship is unavailable.

Application Requirements

Interested applicants must submit the following:

1. A cover letter explaining their interest in the role and suitability.
2. An academic Curriculum Vitae (CV).
3. Contact information for three professional references, including:
   • Name
   • Job title
   • Affiliation
   • Email address
   • Phone number

References will only be contacted for candidates who reach the final interview stage.

APPLY HERE

Application Deadline

Application Deadline: July 30, 2026

Applications will begin being reviewed on July 31, 2026, so candidates are encouraged to apply before the deadline.

Why You Should Apply

This opportunity offers experienced researchers the chance to influence one of the most important public conversations of our time—the democratic governance of Artificial Intelligence. Beyond competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, the role allows researchers to collaborate with national organizations, shape public policy discussions, develop educational resources, and contribute to groundbreaking participatory research that empowers communities across the United States.

For professionals with expertise in AI, civic engagement, public policy, education, labor, advocacy, or participatory research, this position provides a unique platform to generate meaningful social impact while advancing research that informs the future of technology governance.

Visit HERE to learn more about the Senior Researcher, AI Civics at Data & Society Research Institute.

Conclusion

The Senior Researcher, AI Civics position at Data & Society Research Institute represents an exceptional opportunity for experienced researchers committed to ensuring that Artificial Intelligence serves the public interest. Through collaborative research, community partnerships, educational resource development, and policy engagement, the successful candidate will play a central role in advancing democratic accountability and civic participation in AI governance.

If you possess strong research expertise, experience in participatory methods, and a passion for building equitable and community-centered AI systems, this role offers the opportunity to contribute to nationally significant work while collaborating with leading experts in technology and society. With a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, a fully remote work environment, and meaningful research responsibilities, qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their applications before the July 30, 2026 deadline.

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