Research Fellow

We’re hiring! Join ACDC as Research Fellow and help us accelerate empirical research into corruption and kleptocracy.

Investigative journalists and academic researchers both use data to interrogate the topics of corruption and illicit finance. While they bring complementary skills and perspectives, they have not traditionally worked together.

Together with the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), the Anti-Corruption Data Collective (ACDC) is launching an ambitious short-term project to accelerate and increase collaborations between investigative journalists and empirical social science researchers. Our goal is to lower the barriers to collaboration and make it easier for researchers and journalists to generate robust data-backed evidence on corruption and kleptocracy. If structured well, these projects can benefit both groups as well as the wider anti-corruption field.

ACDC is seeking a Research Fellow to help us support our ecosystem of researchers, journalists and data scientists over a 5-month period until the end of March 2026.

(OCCRP is hiring for a similar role with a greater emphasis on supporting investigative journalism. Please indicate if you would like to be considered for both roles).

Tasks will include:

• ● Inventory data sets held by journalistic organizations, and conduct an initial assessment of their potential for academic research;

• ● Help clean and process data for use by researchers;

• ● Produce guidance material for stakeholders across sectors on effective collaboration;

• ● Monitor, assess, and communicate relevant academic papers released during the fellowship;

• ● Present promising data sets to a community of researchers and journalists in online

  seminars;

• ● Proactively build the network of potential collaborators in both journalism and academia

  through targeted networking and outreach;

• ● Contribute data science methods and thematic expertise to investigative journalism projects,

  as opportunities arise.

This is a unique opportunity to support and conduct high-impact research at the cutting edge of cross-sectoral collaboration.

Successful candidates may be currently working towards, or have recently completed, a doctorate on subjects related to corruption, illicit finance, kleptocracy, state capture in the fields of political science, economics or sociology. This position is also suitable for highly motivated individuals with a Master’s degree seeking predoctoral (predoc) research experience.

Requirements:

• ● An academic research interest in illicit finance, corruption, kleptocracy and / or related policies.

• ● Excellent data science skills.

• ● Strong written and interpersonal communication skills in English.

• ● Experience working with sensitive data sets is a strong advantage.

  This is a fully remote position. Some time-zone cross-over with East Coast US, UK & European time zones is strongly preferred.

  What we offer:

• ● Generous compensation with contract structure and benefits depending on experience and location;

• ● Flexibility to pursue related research including using data sets explored during the residency;

• ● Access to trainings held as part of the project;

• ● Opportunities to build a personal professional / research network in the field of corruption

  and kleptocracy.

  The position may require occasional travel, such as to academic / journalistic conferences, as well as a closing workshop for the project planned for March 2026.

  Start date: November 2025, or sooner if possible.

  This position is subject to confirmation of funding.

  To apply, please send a resume and cover letter no later than 16 October 2025 to: