Senior Researcher

San Francisco, CA - USA

Yearly Salary: $ 146000 - 201250

Posted on: 30+ days ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

At Thorn our cause is our code. We are a nonprofit whose mission of defending children from sexual exploitation and abuse is deeply embedded within our corea shared code that drives us to do challenging work with resilience and determination.

Here youll work and grow among the best hearts and the best minds in tech data and business alongside our network of independent partners NGOs and law enforcement agencies. Together were focused on building technology that protects childrens futures. We are looking for dynamic problem solvers with the desire to help address some of todays toughest issues. Youll collaborate with a diverse group of peers in a remote environment centered on wellness care and compassion.

In 2019 we took the stage at TED and shared our audacious goal of eliminating child sexual abuse material from the internet. Come join us to help make this goal a reality and build a world where every child can be safe curious and happy.

About the Role

Thorns Research & Insights team delivers rigorous high-impact research that informs our strategy and shapes the global understanding of online child sexual exploitation (OCSE). As a Senior Researcher youll independently lead complex mixed-method projects that generate actionable insights improve organizational decision-making and advance the broader field of child safety.

This role will shape Thorns research agenda by identifying emerging issues gaps and opportunities across the child safety ecosystem and serve as a thought leader who can distill complexity and represent Thorn with credibility and impact. This role will lead research from strategy through execution and deliver insights that matter.

Success in this role will be defined by the quality and influence of published research its integration into organizational decisions and Thorns continued recognition as a leader in child safety research.

What Youll Do

Lead end-to-end research. Design and execute complex mixed method studiesfrom strategy and study design through data collection analysis and disseminationto address high-stakes questions. Research projects will include surveys focus groups interviews background research and more.
Translate insights into action. Distill complex findings into clear compelling insights that inform Thorns strategy and advance understanding across the child safety ecosystem.
Collaborate across disciplines and with partners. Work closely with internal teams to ensure research insights and issue knowledge inform and shape our tools messaging and strategy. Work closely with partner organizations to advance our shared mission.
Uphold rigor ethics and inclusion. Maintain the highest standards in research design execution and analysisespecially when working with sensitive topics and vulnerable populations.
Monitor and anticipate trends. Track global developments in technology exploitation patterns and child protection to identify risks and opportunities for Thorns future work.
Represent Thorn externally. Share findings with partners peers and the public to strengthen Thorns influence and thought leadership in the field. Present at conferences and develop relationships that advance our mission.

What Were Looking For

Mission alignment. Commitment to putting the children we serve at the center of everything you do.
Proven research expertise. Seven or more years of experience executing mixed-method studies that drive real-world decisions and impact.
Domain knowledge. Background in child safety trust and safety public health child development or technology. Deep familiarity with child sexual exploitation issues strongly preferred.
Analytical excellence. Skilled in survey design data analysis and synthesis across quantitative and qualitative methods.
Autonomy and strategic thinking. Ability to independently identify emerging issues shape research direction and connect insights to organizational strategy.
Exceptional communication. Skilled at translating complex research into clear compelling insights for diverse audiences.
Commitment to inclusion. Dedicated to diversity equity and ethical research practices.
Flexibility to travel. Some travel is anticipated for this role.

Technologies We Use

Experience with the following technologies is a plus but not required:

Project Management: Asana JIRA
Communication: Slack Zoom
Production: Google Suite (docs sheets & slides) Overleaf Adobe InCopy

Compensation and Benefits

A reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role is$146000 - $201250/year. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to location; skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications.

Our remote-first work model is structured around working from home most of the time. But there will be times that employees are expected to travel. For example Thorn may host company-wide gatherings and smaller teams may hold in-person meetings and team-building events or require attendance at specific conferences.

At Thorn we know that great people make a great organization. We value our people and offer employees a broad range of more about what working at Thorn can mean for you.

Thorn is strengthened by the wide range of experiences and perspectives on our team. We value the diversity of our professional backgrounds subject matter expertise cultures and perspectives because they help us solve complex problems and serve our mission more effectively. We hire based on merit qualifications and organizational need and we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all employees can thrive.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin disability or status as a protected veteran.

Thorn is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. We provide reasonable accommodations to ensure candidates and employees with disabilities can fully participate in the application process perform essential job functions and access all the benefits and privileges of employment. If you need an accommodation please contact us at

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Required Experience:

Senior IC