FIRE is seeking a talented and detail-oriented Graduate Summer Research Associate to join our Research team for summer 2026. This full-time 10-week paid position ($8000 stipend) is based at FIREs Philadelphia office and offers an unparalleled opportunity for graduate students interested in research on freedom of expression academic freedom and related issues.
The Summer Research Associate will work closely with FIREs Manager of Polling and Analytics and will support ongoing research initiatives. Responsibilities may include drafting short-form research briefs contributing to FIREs Newsdesk or Substack conducting data analysis and cleaning and collaborating on academic papers. The Summer Research Associate will also deliver a short seminar at the end of the summer experience.
The Summer Research Associate will have the opportunity to participate in seminars with FIRE staff and other experts on freedom of expression and related topics as well as take part in other professional development opportunities.
The Graduate Summer Research Associate position is highly competitive. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Deadline: Sunday January 11 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
FIRE isan 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 FIREs hiring process all candidates receiving a conditional offer of employment will be required to undergo a background checkas permitted by and in compliance with federal state and local law.Required Experience:
Intern
FIRE’s mission is to defend and sustain the individual rights of all Americans to free speech and free thought.