Researcher (Data Reporter)- The SLAPP Back Initiative - First Amendment Watch

Description The Researcher (Data Reporter) will work directly with the project's senior staff writer and two researchers to identify stories within the Initiative's dataset and assist in the analysis and fact-checking of alleged anti-SLAPP decisions. This position will assist the team with general research needs and will pitch story ideas for coverage featured on our website, as well as pitches for collaboration with local and national outlets. The ideal candidate will have experience in legal research, can engage in large datasets, and can translate complex issues for a general audience. This position requires creativity and exceptional attention-to-detail.

Use our data to identify interesting stories and investigative angles that highlight the harms of this malicious litigation, as well as quick turnaround pieces related to new litigation and proposed legislation about SLAPPs. Produce short and long-form stories focused on strategic lawsuits against public participation and data from The SLAPP Back Initiative. Maintain source and organization relationships to increase our collaborations and online engagement. Collaborate with our team to organize, review and analyze SLAPP decisions consistent with our methodology. This position will require a hybrid/remote work schedule of 2-day per week remote and 3-days per week on campus. In compliance with NYC's Pay Transparency Act, the annual base salary range for this position is $60,000. New York University considers factors such as (but not limited to) the specific grant funding and the terms of the research grant when extending an offer. Qualifications Required EducationA Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications or another relevant field. Required Experience1-2 years of experience (can include college internships and reporting work experience if data focused) Required Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesProficiency in Google Sheets. Experience using PACER and other court records systems. Experience reading complex legal decisions. Knowledge of local and national current events, and issues particularly related to the First Amendment freedoms of speech and press. Familiarity with journalistic ethics. Preferred EducationA law degree, or a Master's degree in journalism, communications or another relevant field. Preferred ExperienceData-focused investigative reporting with experience in legal research and constitutional law. Preferred Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesAbility to create data visualizations and graphics for article packages preferred. Knowledge of AI tools and software is a plus. Application Instructions

We welcome applications from international candidates; however, please note that NYU is not an E-Verify employer and therefore unable to support STEM OPT extensions. Please include the following when applying: one-page resume cover letter 3-5 published clips that illustrate ability to perform well in this role. We request that two of the clips should have a data-journalism lens. Please include visualizations, if applicable. If the published clips are behind a paywall, we request an uploaded PDF of the article, or a temporary password to view the article.