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Documentary Film Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DePaul

Adjunct Faculty in Documentary

Chicago, IL · On-site

... film production. The curriculum integrates knowledge of documentary's history, styles, traditions, affinity for research and development, and varied approaches to storytelling and production with ...

A24

International Film Sales

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

Conduct ongoing market research to identify trends, emerging opportunities, and shifts in audience ... documentaries, music, publishing, and consumer products. Established in New York in 2012, A24 has ...

Teamwass

... team by researching, writing, and helping shape original non-fiction concepts across film and ... Write and refine loglines, series overviews, and creative materials for documentary and unscripted ...

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Documentary Film Researcher information

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$30K

$113.1K

$164.5K

How much do documentary film researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for documentary film researcher in the United States is $113,102.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $154,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do documentarians make good money?

Documentary film researchers typically earn between $30,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the organization they work for. Salaries can vary widely, with experienced researchers or those working on high-profile projects earning higher wages, especially if they have specialized skills or industry connections.

Is being a documentarian a good career?

A documentary film researcher plays a key role in gathering information and sources for documentary projects, often requiring strong research skills and knowledge of the subject matter. The career can be competitive and may involve irregular hours and variable pay, but it offers opportunities to work on meaningful topics and develop industry connections. Success often depends on building a strong portfolio and networking within the film and media industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Documentary Film Researcher position, and why are they important?

To excel as a Documentary Film Researcher, you need strong investigative skills, critical thinking, and expertise in fact-checking, typically supported by a background in journalism, media studies, or a related field. Familiarity with research databases, archival systems, and editing software such as Adobe Premiere or Final Cut Pro is commonly required. Exceptional communication, attention to detail, and adaptability are valuable soft skills for collaborating with creative teams and responding to shifting production needs. These competencies ensure the accuracy, depth, and reliability of film content, which are essential for producing compelling and trustworthy documentaries.

What is a Documentary Film Researcher job?

A Documentary Film Researcher is responsible for gathering, verifying, and organizing information for a documentary film. They conduct in-depth research using archives, interviews, and other sources to ensure accuracy and credibility. Their work helps shape the documentary’s narrative, assists with fact-checking, and provides key insights for the production team. They may also help secure rights for archival footage, locate expert sources, and compile background materials.

How do you become a documentarian?

To become a documentary film researcher, you typically need a background in film, journalism, or related fields, along with strong research, interviewing, and storytelling skills. Gaining experience through internships, building a network in the industry, and developing proficiency with research tools and editing software can also help advance your career.

How much do documentary researchers get paid?

Documentary researchers typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $70,000 depending on experience, location, and project scope. Entry-level researchers may start at lower rates, while experienced professionals or those working on high-profile projects can command higher pay. Strong research skills and familiarity with industry tools can influence earning potential.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Documentary Film Researcher?

As a Documentary Film Researcher, your daily responsibilities often include sourcing credible information, conducting interviews, verifying facts, and gathering archival materials to support the documentary’s narrative. You’ll collaborate closely with directors, producers, writers, and editors, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of all content featured in the film. This role may also require visiting libraries, researching in-person archives, or connecting with subject-matter experts to enrich the documentary. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential, as you’ll often manage multiple projects or topics simultaneously and contribute ideas to help shape the documentary's storytelling.

More about Documentary Film Researcher jobs
What cities are hiring for Documentary Film Researcher jobs? Cities with the most Documentary Film Researcher job openings:
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Documentary Film Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Documentary Film Researcher job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 37% Full Time, and 63% Part Time. Highlights an 74% In-person, and 26% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,102 per year, or $54.4 per hour.
Assistant Professor of Film and Media Studies

Assistant Professor of Film and Media Studies

Stanford Energy

Stanford, CA

$115K - $135K/yr

Other

Posted 16 days ago

Stanford University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

225th of 611 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Assistant Professor of Film and Media Studies

Apply now Work type: University Tenure Line
Location: Stanford University
Categories: School of Humanities & Sciences

Assistant Professor of Film and Media Studies

SCHOLAR OF AFRICAN/AFRO-DIASPORIC FILM AND MEDIA

The Program in Film and Media Studies in the Department of Art & Art History at Stanford University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor. We are seeking a scholar engaged in innovative research and teaching of moving-image arts (fiction and or documentary film, video, media installations and environments) who specializes in African or Afro-diasporic film/media cultures. Strong training in film history and theory is expected. We welcome applicants who study the intersection of cinema and other media, as well as those who incorporate creative media production into their scholarly practice. The successful candidate will develop a range of introductory level and topical courses for undergraduates, as well as graduate seminars related to their specific research interests. 

Housed in a department with programs in art history, art practice, and documentary filmmaking, Stanford's Program in Film and Media Studies has a dynamic and interdisciplinary vision of the field. We have a robust undergraduate program as well as a roster of PhD students specializing in film and media studies. The ideal applicant will bring to Stanford a program of current and future research in African or Afro-diasporic film and media, and attract PhD students of the highest caliber. The successful candidate must have a Ph.D. at the time of appointment and will be expected to teach and advise students at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. The position will be at the rank of Assistant Professor to begin in Fall 2027. 

Candidates should apply through Stanford Faculty Positions and submit

  • a cover letter

  • curriculum vitae 

  • a research and teaching statement (no more than three single-spaced pages)

A writing sample and letters of recommendation will be solicited at a later stage. 

The salary range for this position is $115,133 - $135,388.

Stanford University has provided a pay range representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for the position upon hire. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the qualifications of the selected candidate, budget availability, and internal equity.

Inquiries may be directed to Inge Klaps, Assistant Director of Finance and Operations, Department of Art & Art History at iklaps@stanford.edu. 

The application process will close on September 30, 2026.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Stanford welcomes applications from all who would bring additional dimensions to the University's research, teaching and clinical missions.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact disability.access@stanford.edu.

Advertised: 09 Jul 2026 9:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: 30 Sep 2026 11:55 PM Pacific Daylight Time

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