Research Trainee

Position: Research Fellow (Social Sciences)

Organisation: Center of Cyber World Insight (CWI)

Location: Remote / Hybrid (Pakistan-based preferred)

Duration: 6 months (with possibility of extension)

Time commitment: ~8–12 hrs/week (or as mutually agreed)

About CWI

CWI is a research-and-policy think-tank dedicated to exploring the intersections of cybersecurity, emerging technology, politics, governance and strategy. (Cyber World Insight) Through its fellowship and internship programmes, CWI supports early-career researchers, publishes policy briefs, analytical papers, and translates research into outreach for public audiences. (Cyber World Insight)

Role Overview

As a Research Fellow (Social Sciences) you will:

• Work with senior CWI researchers/mentors to conduct independent research in areas such as digital governance, technology&society, cybersecurity policy, media & communications, or related social-science fields.
• Produce publishable outputs: policy briefs, analytical papers, multimedia explainers, blog-posts or articles targeted at academic and practitioner audiences.
• Attend monthly seminars/workshops, engage with the CWI research community, and contribute to outreach or dissemination activities.
• Collaborate interdisciplinary across social sciences (political science, sociology, media studies, IR, gender studies etc) and technology/policy domains.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a small research project (12-week to 24-week) that aligns with CWI's mission.
• Conduct literature review, collect and analyse qualitative/quantitative data (depending on topic), and structure findings into publishable format.
• Present research in seminars/webinars hosted by CWI and contribute to internal discussions.
• Write for both specialist (policy/academic) and non-specialist (media/lay) audiences.
• Work independently, meet deadlines, and provide regular progress updates.

Candidate Profile

Essential:

• Master's degree (or equivalent) in social sciences: e.g., International Relations, Political Science, Sociology, Media/Communication Studies, Gender/Peace & Conflict Studies, or adjacent field.
• Strong interest in technology-society interface: cyber policy, digital governance, online media, digital rights, emerging technologies and their societal impacts.
• Proven research skills: literature review, data collection/analysis, report writing, comfortable with both academic and policy-oriented outputs.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to present complex ideas simply.
• Self-motivated, able to work remotely, meet deadlines, collaborate virtually.

Desirable:

• Previous publications (articles, blogs, policy briefs) in social-science/technology area.
• Experience with multimedia content (videos, infographics, podcasts) to help translation of research for non-academic audiences.
• Familiarity with digital tools for analysis (NVivo, R, Python, survey tools, etc) or content creation tools.
• Awareness of Pakistan / South Asia context, cybersecurity/digital rights issues in the Global South.

Benefits

• Mentorship and editorial support from experienced CWI researchers. (Cyber World Insight)
• Opportunity to publish your work via CWI's platforms: CWI Magazine, Cyber Watch, Journal etc. (Cyber World Insight)
• Certificate of completion and professional reference. (Cyber World Insight)
• Flexible schedule; remote work from anywhere.
• Networking and professional exposure in the field of tech-policy, digital governance, and social sciences.

How to Apply

Please send via email to

• Your CV (max 2 pages)
• A word statement of purpose (why you want this fellowship, your proposed thematic interest)
• A writing sample / project sample (if available)
• Indicate your preferred thematic track (if relevant) and your availability.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. We welcome early-career researchers, recent graduates, or professionals pivoting into tech-society research.

Deadline: Rolling until filled

Start date: ASAP after selection

Job Type: Internship

Contract length: 6 months

Pay: From Rs10,000.00 per month

Education:

• Intermediate (Required)

Experience:

• Google Workspace: 1 year (Required)
• Miscrosoft office: 1 year (Required)
• Remote Work: 1 year (Required)

Work Location: On the road