Institute for Strategic Dialogue
About the Digital Analysis Unit
ISD’s Digital Analysis Unit (DAU) is a central hub for digital methodologies and technology within ISD. Working closely with analysts and managers in the research team, the DAU is responsible for overseeing research methodologies across ISD projects, selecting appropriate tools and technical partnerships, providing internal training and upskilling, and ensuring standardized research practices across various projects and entities.
In collaboration with strategic technology partners, the DAU leverages data analytics, natural language processing, open-source intelligence (OSINT) techniques, and rigorous ethnographic research to enable ISD researchers to gain real-time insights into extremist, hate and terrorist networks, movements, and online narratives. It also supports ISD’s efforts to identify instances of covert content manipulation, identity deception, and misleading behaviours with the goal of countering the spread of false information. Additionally, it provides empirical evidence to guide ISD’s policy work on assessing the effectiveness of social media platforms’ policy enforcement, content moderation, and other responses to online harms, as well as the impact of platform systems, such as algorithmic recommendations, on users and the online environment.
About the role
The Senior Digital Methods Manager plays a pivotal role within the organization, supporting the Head of the Digital Analysis Unit (DAU) in methods development and standardization. Their responsibilities include leading the creation of new digital research methodologies that involve the analysis of large-scale social media data, including by leveraging new data access mechanisms and resources made available through the EU’s Digital Service Act (DSA). They champion the use of the proprietary technology Beam, co-developed with CASM Technology, assume responsibility for methodological oversight of research projects across the organization that involve Beam, and support the technical upskilling of research analysts. The role also encompasses leading the execution of complex analyses involving large-scale data, and maintaining a central repository of actors, domains, and keyword lists.
Key responsibilities include:
- Lead the creation of innovative digital research methodologies, emphasizing the analysis of large-scale social media data.
- Leverage new data access mechanisms and resources available through the Digital Service Act (DSA) to enhance research capabilities.
- Contribute to the scoping and design of 2-3 digital analysis projects annually, including assessing the feasibility of research questions.
- Oversee research methods, activities, and outputs for 2-3 Beam digital research projects simultaneously.
- Provide technical support for the upskilling and training of research analysts in using Beam and other advanced digital research tools.
- Maintain a central repository of actors, domains, and keyword lists to support research projects and streamline data analysis.
To view a full job description for this role, please click here.
The ideal candidate will have:
- A degree level education in a related field (political, social or computer science, international relations, security studies). A Master’s degree is desirable.
- Demonstrable experience of project and/or program delivery, with proven ability to manage complex and large projects involving external partners.
- Experience in designing and overseeing the methodology for digital research projects investigating online information operations, extremism, and/or hate speech.
- Proven ability in developing internal resources and conducting training programs.
- Line management experience.
- Strong working use of digital analytics techniques, including social listening and network analysis (Gephi).
- Advanced knowledge of the social listening tools Brandwatch and CrowdTange.
- Proficient use of data visualization softwares, such as Tableau and Flourish.
- Fluent, high quality oral and written communication skills in English.
Please review our job description for essential criteria, and keep in mind that no candidate will meet every requirement in the advert. If your experience looks a little different from what we’ve identified, but you think you can bring value to the role, we’d love to hear from you.
We are currently hiring for another position within the same department, that requires a similar range of knowledge and experience. Should you wish to apply to both roles, we welcome you to apply to both this position, as well as the other: Senior Digital Methods Manager and Capacity Building.
The offer
Location: This is a permanent position which can be based remotely in one of three countries where ISD has a legal entity: United Kingdom, Germany and United States. Remote working outside of these locations is not possible and we unfortunately cannot support visa applications for this role.
Annual salary: UK: £45,000 – £60,000, Germany: €60,000 – €90,000, US: $85,000 – $110,000
Benefits: More information on our benefits can be found here.
How to apply
Please submit your application via our Careers Page by the 17th of November 2023. ISD reserves the right to interview and appoint candidates prior to the advertised closing date. If you have any further questions about this vacancy or want to speak to a member of our recruitment team, please contact [email protected] .