Data & Society Research Institute Hiring Senior Researcher, AI Civics – Remote Opportunity ($78,000–$97,000 Salary)

Data & Society Research Institute is seeking a Senior Researcher, AI Civics to lead research, partnership-building, and community engagement efforts focused on helping the public shape the role of artificial intelligence in society.

This fully remote position offers an opportunity for an experienced researcher, policy expert, or civic technology professional to contribute to a two-year AI Civics programme designed to strengthen democratic participation, community power, and accountability in the development and use of AI systems.

The position is based remotely within the United States and will begin in September 2026, running through May 31, 2028.

About Data & Society Research Institute

Data & Society is an independent nonprofit research organization that studies the social consequences of data-driven technologies and automation.

The organization examines how emerging technologies affect communities, privacy, equality, opportunity, and human rights. Through research, public engagement, and collaboration, Data & Society works to ensure that technology development is guided by evidence, ethics, and respect for human dignity.

The institute focuses on understanding and addressing challenges created by artificial intelligence, data systems, and digital platforms.

Senior Researcher, AI Civics Role Overview

The Senior Researcher will serve as a key contributor to Data & Society’s AI Civics programme, an initiative focused on increasing public participation and community influence over how artificial intelligence impacts society.

The successful candidate will work with partner organizations, community leaders, and stakeholders to develop research projects, educational resources, and civic tools that help communities understand and influence AI systems.

The role combines:

• Participatory research.
• Partnership management.
• Policy research.
• Curriculum development.
• Community engagement.
• Public communication.

Key Details

• Position: Senior Researcher, AI Civics
• Organization: Data & Society Research Institute
• Location: Remote (United States)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Programme Duration: September 2026 – May 31, 2028
• Salary: $78,000 – $97,000 annually
• Application Deadline: July 30, 2026

Applicants must be living in and authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Key Responsibilities

Participatory Research and Community Engagement

The Senior Researcher will:

• Build relationships with partner organizations, community groups, and civic leaders.
• Lead participatory research projects using methods such as participatory action research.
• Collaborate with organizations in areas including K–12 education, labor, faith communities, and advocacy.
• Develop AI Civics resources based on community needs.
• Coordinate workshops, training sessions, and feedback processes.
• Create research outputs including reports, case studies, templates, publications, and public writing.

Partnership Development

The role will involve:

• Managing relationships with national partner organizations.
• Supporting collaboration between internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Helping expand the AI Civics network.
• Communicating programme updates and partnership activities.

Research and Public Communication

The Senior Researcher will:

• Develop research questions and strategies.
• Conduct qualitative research.
• Translate findings into accessible resources.
• Present research findings through writing, speaking engagements, and public events.
• Contribute to academic and public discussions about AI governance.

Fundraising Support

The role will also contribute to fundraising activities by:

• Supporting grant applications.
• Preparing research materials for development efforts.
• Providing information to support funding proposals.

Required Qualifications

Applicants should have:

• A graduate degree or equivalent experience.
• 7–10 years of research experience in organizations such as universities, government, policy institutions, advocacy organizations, or research centers.
• Expertise in participatory research methods.
• Strong research and analytical abilities.
• Experience publishing research outputs.
• Ability to communicate effectively with academic and non-academic audiences.
• Experience conducting qualitative research.
• Strong writing, organization, and project management skills.

Candidates should also have expertise in at least one relevant sector, including:

• K–12 education.
• Labor.
• Faith organizations.
• Advocacy.
• Civic institutions.
• Public interest technology.

Preferred Qualifications

Additional strengths include:

• Doctoral degree in information science, education, social sciences, or related fields.
• Experience with civic engagement or community organizing.
• Background in nonprofit, advocacy, research, or technology policy environments.
• Experience developing educational materials or research programmes.
• Knowledge of academic literature related to AI, technology, and society.

Skills and Competencies

Successful candidates should demonstrate:

• Excellent communication and writing skills.
• Ability to manage complex projects involving multiple organizations.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking.
• Ability to facilitate discussions and build consensus.
• Leadership skills and sound decision-making.
• Ability to adapt in a fast-changing research environment.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Why Join Data & Society?

This opportunity allows researchers and technology policy professionals to contribute to important conversations about the future of artificial intelligence and democracy.

Benefits of the role include:

• Opportunity to influence AI governance discussions.
• Work with community organizations and civic leaders.
• Remote-first working environment.
• Contribution to impactful public-interest research.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off and federal holidays.
• 401(k) management options.

Who Should Apply?

This position is ideal for professionals such as:

• AI policy researchers.
• Social science researchers.
• Technology ethics specialists.
• Civic engagement professionals.
• Public interest technology experts.
• Academic researchers.
• Policy analysts with experience in community-based research.

Applicants should be passionate about ensuring that communities have a meaningful voice in shaping the future of artificial intelligence.

Application Process

Interested candidates must submit the following by July 30, 2026:

• Cover letter explaining interest and suitability for the role.
• Academic CV.
• Contact details for three professional references.

Applications will begin being reviewed on July 31, 2026.

For questions about the opportunity, contact:

Email: jobs@datasociety.net

The Senior Researcher, AI Civics role offers a unique opportunity to combine research, technology, and civic participation to help build a more democratic and accountable future for artificial intelligence.

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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of  emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.