Freelancer - OSINT / WEBINT / Intelligence Researcher

ActiveFence; New York (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A technology firm specializing in online threat analysis is looking for a Research Analyst to conduct OSINT and WEBINT research as well as analyze threats related to child safety, hate speech, and organized crime. The ideal candidate will have over 2 years of experience in online research, excellent analytical skills, and familiarity with digital ecosystems. This full-time role offers the chance to work collaboratively in a dynamic environment focused on addressing online harms.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in online research or intelligence analysis.
• Ability to deliver research projects independently.
• Familiarity with digital ecosystems and online platforms.

Responsibilities

• Conduct intelligence research across multiple online threat areas.
• Analyze data from open and closed sources including social media.
• Prepare analytical reports summarizing findings and insights.

Skills

Analytical skills

Research project management

Fluent English

Familiarity with online platforms

Technical literacy

Education

Background in international relations, political science, or related fields

Tools

Data collection tools

Spreadsheets

Job description

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The role involves conducting in-depth open-source (OSINT) and web intelligence (WEBINT) research to identify, analyze, and assess a wide range of online threats and harmful activities across platforms. This may include work in Child Safety, focusing on detecting and analyzing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and grooming indicators; Hate Speech and Extremism, involving the tracking of radicalization trends, hate groups, and violent ideologies; Counterterrorism, centered on identifying terrorist propaganda and networks; Organized Crime, which includes investigating illicit trade, fraud, and trafficking operations; and Platform Integrity and Manipulation, aimed at uncovering coordinated inauthentic behavior, influence operations, and misinformation campaigns.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct end-to-end intelligence research projects across multiple abuse areas (e.g., hate speech, violent extremism, child safety, platform manipulation, organized crime, fraud, and disinformation).
• Collect, analyze, and contextualize data from a variety of open and closed sources, including social media platforms, chat applications, gaming platforms, forums, and AI tools.
• Apply OSINT/WEBINT methodologies (search, dorking, verification, network mapping, and trend analysis) to identify indicators of online threats and harmful behavior.
• Prepare concise analytical reports and datasets, summarizing key findings, insights, and emerging risks.
• Stay up to date on global online threat trends and evolving tactics across different platforms.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders (e.g., Delivery, Product, and Policy teams) to ensure timely and high-quality outputs.

Requirements

• 2+ years of experience conducting online research or intelligence analysis (OSINT/WEBINT, investigations, or Trust & Safety) — required.
• Proven ability to manage and deliver research projects independently, from data collection to reporting — required.
• Fluent or native-level English (both written and spoken) — required.
• Strong analytical and writing skills, with ability to synthesize large volumes of data into clear, actionable insights.
• Familiarity with online platforms and digital ecosystems, including social media, messaging, and content-sharing networks.
• Technical literacy: ability to work with spreadsheets, search operators, data collection tools, and AI-assisted workflows.
• Resilience to sensitive or disturbing content, including exposure to violent, extremist, or sexual materials.
• Additional language skills — an advantage.
• Academic or professional background in international relations, political science, criminology, communication, or related fields — an advantage.
• Experience in one or more domains such as Counterterrorism, Hate Speech, Child Safety, Disinformation, or Organized Crime — an advantage.

Additional Requirements

• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities; able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proactive mindset, curiosity, and eagerness to learn about new digital ecosystems.
• Team-oriented, collaborative, and comfortable working in fast-paced, cross-functional environments.
• Capability to maintain professional boundaries and follow data sensitivity and privacy guidelines.

Employment Details

• Seniority level: Not Applicable
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Other
• Industries: Software Development

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