Graduate Student Press Research Associate

This position is based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, or Washington, D.C. and follows a hybrid work schedule that combines in-office and remote workdays for eligible employees. Exceptional candidates will be considered for remote work.

About FIRE

The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression’s mission is to defend and sustain the individual rights of all Americans to free speech and free thought — the most essential qualities of liberty. FIRE educates Americans about the importance of these inalienable rights, promotes a culture of respect for these rights, and provides the means to preserve them.

Position Description

The Graduate Student Press Research Associate will report to and work directly with FIRE’s Student Press Legal Associate and Director of Campus Rights Advocacy. The duties for this position include, but are not limited to:

• Qualitative and quantitative research data analysis and cleaning
• Collaborating on academic papers
• Contributing to FIRE’s Newsdesk and/or Substack
• Supporting SPFI outreach and advocacy efforts

This position will also perform other support functions for the day-to-day operation of FIRE and will frequently collaborate with other staff members and departments on general duties and specialized projects.

The expected start date for this position will be Jan. 12, 2026, and the expected end date is June 29, 2026.

Qualifications

A successful candidate will have a good work ethic, be a self-starter, and have the ability to work independently. Most importantly, the candidate must demonstrate a knowledge and passion for FIRE’s mission and an ability to articulate that passion in a way that will make others enthusiastic about our cause. A candidate must also be able to demonstrate:

• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated interest and experience in the social sciences, survey research, data analysis, and research methodology
• Experience with quantitative and qualitative research methods
• Proficiency with SPSS
• Experience as a student journalist is a plus

Salary and Compensation

The projected salary for this position is $20/hour.

Applications

Applicants should provide a resume, cover letter, a writing sample or other demonstration of work (portfolio, for example), and contact information for at least two professional references. All applications are confidential. Please address applications to Cait Scanlan, chief people officer.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

FIRE is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

As part of FIRE's hiring process, all candidates receiving a conditional offer of employment will be required to undergo a background check as permitted by and in compliance with federal, state, and local law.