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Documented

Research Fellowship

Washington, DC · Remote

Research Fellowship Location: Virtual, Washington D.C. preferred Experience: 2 years relevant experience Term: 18 months, full time Salary: $55,000 to $65,000, commensurate with experience. Role ...

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How much do research fellowship jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for research fellowship in the United States is $69,188.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $81,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a research fellowship?

A research fellowship is a temporary academic or professional position that provides individuals, often recent graduates or early-career researchers, with the opportunity to conduct independent or collaborative research in their field of study. These fellowships are typically funded by universities, research institutes, or external organizations, and may last from several months to a few years. Research fellows work under the guidance of a senior researcher or faculty member and often contribute to scholarly publications, experiments, or projects. The goal of a research fellowship is to advance knowledge, gain specialized experience, and enhance one's academic or professional credentials.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research fellow, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Fellow, you need advanced expertise in your academic field, strong analytical skills, and typically a relevant PhD or equivalent research experience. Proficiency with research methodologies, data analysis software (such as SPSS, R, or Python), and familiarity with academic publishing systems is often required. Exceptional written and verbal communication, critical thinking, and the ability to work independently or collaboratively set outstanding Research Fellows apart. These skills are essential for producing high-quality research, securing funding, and effectively disseminating findings within the academic community.

What are some common challenges faced by research fellows during their projects, and how can they be addressed?

Research fellows often encounter challenges such as balancing multiple projects, securing funding, and coping with the pressure to publish results. Navigating these demands requires strong time management, open communication with supervisors, and proactive networking within the research community. Many fellows benefit from seeking mentorship and collaborating with team members to share expertise and resources, which helps in overcoming obstacles and achieving research goals.

What is the difference between Research Fellowship vs Research Assistant?

AspectResearch FellowshipResearch Assistant
CredentialsTypically requires a graduate degree (Master's or PhD)Usually requires a bachelor's or master's degree
Work EnvironmentIndependent research, often in academic or research institutionsSupporting research activities, assisting senior researchers
Employer & IndustryUniversities, research institutes, government agenciesUniversities, labs, research organizations

Research Fellowships are generally more advanced roles involving independent research, often requiring a graduate degree, while Research Assistants support research projects under supervision, typically with a bachelor's or master's degree. Both roles are common in academic and research settings but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

How can I become a research fellow?

To become a research fellow, candidates typically need a relevant advanced degree such as a master's or Ph.D. in a related field, along with research experience and strong analytical skills. Applying to research institutions, universities, or organizations often involves submitting a CV, research proposal, and letters of recommendation, and some positions may require specific technical skills or certifications. Networking within academic or professional communities can also improve chances of securing a research fellowship.

What do you do as a research fellowship?

A research fellowship is a position that provides individuals with the opportunity to conduct specialized research in a specific field, often under the supervision of experienced professionals. Fellows typically engage in data collection, analysis, and reporting, and may develop new skills or contribute to ongoing projects. The role often involves working in academic, scientific, or medical environments and may require relevant qualifications or certifications.

What qualifications do I need to be a research fellowship?

Research fellowships typically require a relevant advanced degree such as a master's or doctoral degree in a related field, along with strong research skills, analytical abilities, and experience with research methodologies. Additional qualifications may include proficiency with specific tools or software, publication record, and sometimes prior research experience or recommendations.
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Research Fellowship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Fellowship job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,188 per year, or $33.3 per hour.

Research Fellowship

Documented

Washington, DC • Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Research Fellowship
Location: Virtual, Washington D.C. preferred
Experience: 2 years relevant experience
Term: 18 months, full time
Salary: $55,000 to $65,000, commensurate with experience.
Role & Responsibilities
Documented is seeking early-career research fellows to support our investigations into threats to our democracy. You would be joining a team of experienced researchers who are committed to exposing the ways in which organized special interests are undermining our elections, attacking fundamental rights, eroding protections for marginalized communities, and weakening a free and fair judiciary.
About Documented:
Documented is a nonpartisan investigative watchdog and journalism project that conducts original investigative research to expose how organized special interests are undermining our democracy. Founded in 2017, Documented has carried out groundbreaking, award-winning investigations into the funding, strategies, and networks of powerful actors working to weaken the pillars of our political system. Our investigations have revealed the secret internal training videos of Project 2025 and played a central role in exposing how far-right political operatives are working to reshape the judiciary and legal system in order to advance an extreme political agenda through the courts. Documented’s work has appeared in co-bylined and co-branded investigations with outlets including ProPublica, The Guardian, and Rolling Stone. Our research has also been featured in front-page stories in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The New Yorker, and highlighted in broadcast reporting from CBS Mornings, NPR, and Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. For more on our work, see our About Us page.
Role & Responsibilities
Research Fellows will take on a variety of roles to support the Documented research team as we expand our democracy work. The exact job responsibilities are fluid day to day, and require creative thinking and both collaborative and independent work. Over the course of 18 months, this fellowship offers an opportunity to learn, grow, and develop new research skills while gaining insight into a wide range of issues. Ideal candidates will demonstrate flexibility and curiosity, with a willingness to learn and apply new research methods.
You might be a great candidate if you have the following demonstrable knowledge, skills, and/or experience. We will consider paid and unpaid work experience:
  • Strong interest in U.S. politics, particularly the groups, donors, and individuals working to undermine our democracy.
  • Some experience in methods of investigative research, such as LexisNexis, state and federal campaign finance databases, and ethics and lobbying disclosures. 
  • Experience contributing to an investigative research project and/or publication, including (but not limited to) journalism, campaign strategy, and academic or legal research.
  • Experience working with large datasets or organizing and analyzing documents.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with allies and teammates and flexibly respond to changing priorities, as well as the self-motivation to work independently when needed.
  • Ability to stay organized and on top of multiple projects, databases, and large collections of interrelated documents.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with teammates and flexibly respond to changing priorities, as well as self-motivation to work independently.
  • Ability to translate research findings into clear, compelling narratives, writing clearly and persuasively across a variety of formats, including memos and news articles.
  • Willingness to dive in, make mistakes, learn quickly, and have some fun. Our team will be here to support you.
We are a family-friendly organization. We offer a generous and competitive benefits package, including health insurance with vision and dental care; life insurance and disability coverage; three months paid parental leave; generous sick and vacation time and a 401k/Roth investment plan, including an employer match. It is preferred that candidates will be in the Washington DC area, but exceptional candidates located elsewhere will also be considered.
Documented is committed to building a team that reflects the diversity of our country, and an equitable and inclusive environment that values team members’ unique skills and perspectives. We strongly encourage applications from members of marginalized communities that have been disproportionately affected by ongoing threats to democracy to apply, including those who identify as Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, and the non-binary, LGBTQIA+ and disabled communities.
Please note the qualifications listed in our job descriptions are only guidelines. We encourage candidates who meet some, not necessarily all, of the requirements listed to apply. We value transferable skills, including academic, unpaid, and volunteer experience. Applying gives you the opportunity to be considered.
Documented is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Documented will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, including a writing test, applicants may request these needs in their application.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.
Please direct questions to jobs@documented.net.
 

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