Research Fellow

About the role

This Research Fellow position advances the institutional mission of Alliance Defending Freedom by driving rigorous inquiry within a dedicated portfolio, owning research outputs from conception through delivery and translating analysis into actionable strategy for legal and cultural initiatives. Success in this role requires close collaboration with senior colleagues and strict adherence to ADF mission priorities, ensuring that every research question serves the broader objectives of the organization. The fellow is entrusted with shaping the intellectual framework of key projects, identifying emerging threats to religious freedom, parental rights, and free expression, and developing sophisticated responses that withstand rigorous scrutiny. This position operates as a full-time role with remote eligibility, reflecting the modern realities of distributed collaboration while maintaining a strong central presence in key strategic locations. The compensation range is clearly defined to attract top-tier talent capable of operating at the intersection of law, biosciences, and public policy. Ultimately, the fellow acts as a critical thought partner, converting complex cultural and legal shifts into precise, persuasive materials that advance the rule of law and protect fundamental human rights.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Conduct original research to identify and analyze emerging cultural and legal risks that could impact freedom of religion, speech, and parental authority.
• Coordinate horizon scanning activities that strategically utilize AI-assisted tools alongside traditional research methodologies to detect nascent threats and opportunities.
• Track legislative, regulatory, and cultural shifts relevant to assigned focus areas, ensuring timely awareness and proactive strategic responses.
• Synthesize complex developments into concise, actionable briefings for senior stakeholders across multiple time zones, optimizing clarity and decision-making.
• Draft model legislation, regulatory comments, and policy papers under senior guidance, maintaining strict citation accuracy and methodological rigor.
• Plan and support the logistics of colloquia, symposia, and pop-up salons, managing participant coordination and ensuring seamless execution of public-facing events.
• Prepare comprehensive briefing books, speaker profiles, and research summaries tailored for public events and high-visibility media appearances.
• Conduct background research on potential alliances with think tanks, policy leaders, and other organizations to strategically strengthen outreach and coalition-building efforts.
• Maintain robust research infrastructure and knowledge management systems, ensuring institutional memory remains current, accessible, and easily navigable.
• Collaborate with global teams to align on cross-initiative priorities, sharing findings and analysis to amplify program impact across diverse jurisdictions.
• Test draft testimony, talking points, and public commentary for clarity, precision, and strategic fit, refining materials to maximize persuasive effectiveness.
• Function as a subject matter expert on specific topics such as assisted reproductive technology, bioethics, and digital censorship, providing authoritative analysis when called upon.
• Monitor global censorship trends and concentrated power dynamics in digital platforms, assessing their implications for free expression and democratic discourse.
• Develop deep expertise in parental rights, education freedom, online child safety, and public institutions policy to provide nuanced policy recommendations.
• Produce high-quality written and oral communication that adheres to the highest standards of precision, logical structure, and rhetorical effectiveness.

Requirements

Applicants must hold a graduate degree or demonstrate equivalent practical expertise through a robust portfolio of professional work. A minimum of 3-5 years of research, policy, or analytical experience in law, biosciences, public policy, or related domains is expected, providing a foundation of credible, real-world insights. The ability to interpret legislative, regulatory, and cultural signals into actionable research products for senior audiences is a non-negotiable requirement for success in this environment. Clear written and verbal communication skills are necessary to produce precise documents under tight review cycles, balancing speed with accuracy and intellectual integrity. The fellow must manage multiple deadlines, shifting priorities, and confidential information with consistent professionalism, demonstrating reliability and sound judgment in all interactions. Effectiveness working with distributed collaborators and aligning standards across diverse teams is mandatory, requiring cultural sensitivity and adaptability to different working styles and institutional norms. A demonstrated commitment to the principles of religious freedom, the right to life, and the sanctity of parental authority is essential, as this role directly supports the mission-driven work of Alliance Defending Freedom. Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States without requiring company-sponsored work authorization for the listed locations, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and organizational policies. All applicants must pass a standard background check and adhere to the ethical standards and professional conduct expected within the legal and policy advocacy sectors.

Nice to have

Experience with assisted reproductive technology, bioethics, and issues related to freedom of speech or religion is valued, providing a deeper contextual understanding of complex client needs. Familiarity with global censorship trends and concentrated power dynamics in digital platforms is a plus, offering strategic insights into the evolving information ecosystem. Understanding of parental rights, education freedom, online child safety, and public institutions policy is considered an asset, enabling the fellow to contribute more effectively to high-stakes policy debates and legislative initiatives.

Practical notes

This is a full-time position with remote eligibility.

Compensation is within the range of $130,000.00 to $170,000.00 annually.

Details on the official application process must be confirmed on the designated apply page.

All information provided here reflects the current draft and is subject to final verification through official channels.