Head of Research

Job Title: Head of Research
Location: Hybrid; DC-area.
Employment Type: Full-time

Overview

The Program on Extremism at the George Washington University is seeking an experienced and intellectually rigorous Head of Research to lead the research agenda of our Program.

The Head of Research will provide strategic and intellectual leadership across the organization’s research portfolio. The role will oversee research produced across our four core areas: Islamism, Global Jihadism, Antisemitism, and Domestic Violent Extremism.

Working closely with senior research fellows and research fellows, the Head of Research will guide ongoing projects, ensure high-quality research outputs, identify emerging areas of inquiry, and help translate scholarly work into policy-relevant insights. The role requires a strong scholar-practitioner capable of bridging rigorous academic research with real-world policy impact.

Key Responsibilities
Research Leadership & Strategy

Develop and oversee the organization’s overall research strategy and intellectual direction, in collaboration with the Program Director.
Ensure the quality, rigor, and originality of research across the program’s four core research branches: Islamism, Global Jihadism, Antisemitism, and Domestic Violent Extremism.
Identify emerging trends, gaps in knowledge, and priority areas for future research.
Guide the development of major research initiatives, reports, and publications.

Team Leadership & Mentorship

Supervise and support Senior Research Fellows and Research Fellows.
Provide intellectual guidance and mentorship to research staff.
Coordinate collaboration across the organization’s different research areas.
Foster a productive and innovative research culture within the program.

Research Production & Oversight

Oversee ongoing research projects and ensure timely delivery of high-quality outputs.
Review and edit research reports, policy briefs, and academic publications.
Ensure research meets the highest standards of methodological rigor and analytical clarity.
Encourage interdisciplinary approaches and methodological innovation.

Engagement & Impact

Help translate academic research into actionable policy recommendations.
Represent the organization in high-level meetings, briefings, and conferences.
Support the dissemination of research through media engagement, public events, and policy forums.
Develop collaborative research projects with external partners.
Work closely with communications and technology teams to ensure research is effectively disseminated to target audiences.

Qualifications

Required

At least 8–10 years of experience conducting research on extremism, terrorism, political violence, or closely related fields.
A strong record of published research, including academic publications, policy reports, or major analytical studies.
Demonstrated expertise in at least one of the program’s core research areas: Islamism, Global Jihadism, Antisemitism, or Domestic Violent Extremism.
Experience managing or supervising research teams.
Strong analytical, writing, and editing skills.
Ability to translate complex research into policy-relevant insights.
Experience engaging with policymakers, media, or public audiences.
Excellent organizational and project management skills.

Preferred

PhD (or equivalent advanced degree) in Political Science, International Relations, Security Studies, Sociology, History, or a related field.
Established network within the academic, policy, or security research community.
Experience working with think tanks, research centers, or policy institutions.
Experience briefing government officials, international organizations, or civil society leaders.
Familiarity with quantitative and qualitative research methodologies relevant to extremism studies.
Experience contributing to public debate through media commentary, public speaking, or expert testimony.

Compensation: Up to $200,000 annually

To apply please send a CV and cover letter to extremism

gwu [dot] edu (extremism[at]gwu[dot]edu)