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

New York University; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

New York University is seeking a Researcher (Data Reporter) to work with senior staff to identify stories from the Initiative’s dataset and aid in analysis and fact-checking of anti-SLAPP decisions.

The role requires legal research experience, ability to handle large datasets, and translating complex issues for a general audience, with a 2-day remote/3-day on-campus hybrid schedule in New York.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications or related field.
• 1–2 years of journalism or data-focused reporting experience.
• Proficiency in Google Sheets; experience with PACER and court records.
• Knowledge of First Amendment issues and current events.

Responsibilities

• Identify stories within the Initiative's dataset and assist in analysis and fact-checking of anti-SLAPP decisions.
• Pitch story ideas for website coverage and collaborations with outlets.
• Collaborate to organize, review and analyze SLAPP decisions per the team methodology.

Skills

Data storytelling

Legal research

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in journalism

Master's degree in journalism or related field (preferred)

Tools

PACER

Court records systems

Google Sheets

Job description

New York University: NYU - NY: Arts and Science (A&S): Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute

Location

New York, NY

Open Date

Aug 17, 2026

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 Education

• A Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications or another relevant field.

Required Experience

• 1-2 years of experience (can include college internships and reporting work experience if data focused)

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Proficiency 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 Education

• A law degree, or a Master’s degree in journalism, communications or another relevant field.

Preferred Experience

• Data-focused investigative reporting with experience in legal research and constitutional law.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to create data visualizations and graphics for article packages preferred. Knowledge of AI tools and software is a plus.

Application Process

This institution is using Interfolio's Faculty Search to conductthis search. Applicants to this position receive a free Dossieraccount and can send all application materials, includingconfidential letters of recommendation, free of charge.

For people in the EU, click here for information on your privacy rights under GDPR:www.nyu.edu/it/gdpr

NYU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a policy of equal treatment and opportunity in every aspect of its recruitment and hiring process without regard to age, alienage, caregiver status, childbirth, citizenship status, color, creed, disability, domestic violence victim status, ethnicity, familial status, gender and/or gender identity or expression, marital status, military status, national origin, parental status, partnership status, predisposing genetic characteristics, pregnancy, race, religion, reproductive health decision making, sex, sexual orientation, unemployment status, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis. All interested persons are encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels.

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