Corruption Researcher

NOTE: Unruled Masses is a startup organization in the building phase. You would be filling a vital role as we develop our organization. At this time, we can only accept applicants residing in the United States.

Who We Are

Unruled Masses is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public-interest organization focused on exposing corruption, abuse of power, and systemic exploitation—while helping communities peacefully reclaim agency, accountability, and civic life.

We combine rigorous research with community education and real-world civic action to help people connect, organize, and act together. We share our work through data platforms, research products, civic action materials, and communication products, including newsletters, social media, and podcasts.

Who You Are

You are curious, disciplined, and motivated by truth and accountability. You care deeply about fighting corruption and abuse of power. You are comfortable working independently, but you value collaboration and shared purpose.

Your background may include intelligence analysis, investigative journalism, OSINT, data science, political science, law, or social science—or you may be building experience in these areas and seeking meaningful, real-world application of your skills.

You believe careful evidence matters. You also believe research should reach people, not sit on a shelf.

What You’ll Do

As a Corruption Researcher, you will:

• Conduct research on corruption, abuse of power, and exploitation within and outside of the United States
• Collect and analyze news reporting, government documents, court records, NGO reports, social media, and other publicly available information.
• Help build a comprehensive research file on abusive practices, institutions, and individual actors to support pattern and network analyses
• Draft case studies, profiles, explainers, and research briefs
• Work with civic action coordinators and a communications team to turn your work into a real-life call to action that mobilizes people to take nonviolent civic actions
• Participate in community-building efforts, including civic gatherings and partner events

Exceptional volunteers may:

• Serve in editorial leadership roles
• Lead research areas
• Contribute to editorial direction
• Mentor newer researchers
• Collaborate on larger research projects

Research Areas of Interest

We are especially interested in individuals with experience or interest in researching abuse of power in areas such as:

Policing & Public Safety; Elections & Voting; Transparency & Open Government; Procurement & Public Contracts; Judiciary & Legal Process; Surveillance & Data Exploitation; Labor & Workplace; Housing & Community Control; Land Use & Environment; Health & Social Services; Finance & Taxation; Digital Platforms & Algorithms; Media & Broadcasting; Education; Immigration & Borders; Utilities & Infrastructure; International & Diplomacy; Identity & Civil Equality; Speech & Information; Protest & Assembly; Gender & Reproductive Equality; Corporate Collusion & Corruption; Religious Institutions & Governance; Defense & Military Justice; Professional Licensing & Self-Regulation; Guardianship & Probate; Food & Drug & Agriculture Regulators; Transportation & Safety Regulators; Sports Governance; Nonprofits & Philanthropy; Consular & Civil Registries; Elder Care & Disability Services; Private Security & Prison Contractors.

Ideal Qualifications

• Demonstrated interest in corruption, abuse of power, or accountability research
• Strong research, analytical, and writing skills
• Experience with at least one research approach (OSINT, investigative journalism, qualitative/quantitative research, data analysis, policy research, etc.)
• Ability to synthesize complex information into clear and accurate public-facing research products
• Comfortable working remotely with structured workflows and deadlines
• Advanced degrees in journalism, political science, accounting, data science, law, or related fields are a plus, but not required
• Familiarity with academic, intelligence, investigative, or human-rights research standards is highly valued

Compensation & Commitment

This is an unpaid volunteer role. We ask for a commitment of 3+ hours per week. As funding allows, we may offer paid positions in the future.

Benefits of Volunteering with Unruled Masses

• Help publish meaningful, real-world corruption research and civic action guidance with global reach
• Build a professional portfolio of published products
• Receive and contribute to training
• Collaborate with experienced researchers, writers, and organizers
• Participate in civic and community-building events
• Be part of a mission focused not just on exposing harm, but also rebuilding agency, joy, and community