Job Title: Research Intern — Writing and Publications
Organization: The Future of Free Speech at Vanderbilt University
Location: Remote or Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
Type: Internship, part-time (15–20 hours per week)
The Future of Free Speech at Vanderbilt University is seeking a curious and motivated Research Intern to help our founder and CEO, Jacob Mchangama, with research for op-eds, books, essays, and social media.
This is an opportunity for a student or recent graduate to develop practical research skills while exploring the history and contemporary challenges of freedom of expression. Topics may include censorship, democracy, human rights, social media, and artificial intelligence.
We welcome applicants seeking their first research experience. An interest in the subject, a willingness to learn, and a careful approach to research are the most important qualifications.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit a resume and portfolio link to contact@futurefreespeech.com. Include “Research Intern – [Your Name]” in the subject line.
About The Future of Free Speech
The Future of Free Speech is a dynamic think tank at the forefront of defending free expression in an increasingly polarized world. We’re a diverse team of researchers and advocates dedicated to promoting open dialogue, challenging censorship, and protecting the fundamental right to speak and think freely. At The Future of Free Speech, we believe that a robust and resilient culture of free speech must be the foundation of any free, democratic society.
What You Will Do
Working with Jacob Mchangama and colleagues at The Future of Free Speech, the intern will help with:
- Background research: Exploring specific questions, historical episodes, and current debates relevant to ongoing writing projects.
- Finding sources: Locating useful articles, academic studies, speeches, historical documents, legal materials, and other sources.
- Preparing short research notes: Summarizing findings clearly, highlighting useful examples, and recording where information comes from.
- Checking facts and quotations: Helping verify dates, statistics, quotations, and other claims, and flagging anything uncertain or difficult to confirm.
- Supporting articles and social media: Identifying relevant news, research, and examples that could inform op-eds, essays, and posts.
- Organizing material: Keeping research notes, references, and links accessible and easy to check.
- Exploring AI tools: Where useful, experimenting with tools that can assist with research and organizing information, while checking their outputs against reliable sources.
Assignments will be clearly defined and matched to the intern’s experience and agreed availability, with guidance and feedback along the way.
Who We Are Looking For
We welcome applications from undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as recent graduates.
Relevant interests or fields of study include history, law, political science, philosophy, journalism, media and communications, public policy, international relations, and technology. Applicants from other backgrounds with an interest in free speech and public debate are also encouraged to apply.
What We Are Looking For
We are looking for someone who has:
- Intellectual curiosity and an interest in freedom of expression;
- Good written English and the ability to explain what they have found clearly;
- Some experience researching questions through coursework, student activities, or personal projects;
- Attention to detail and a willingness to check information carefully;
- A reliable and organized approach to agreed tasks and deadlines; and
- A willingness to ask questions, discuss uncertainties, and learn from feedback.
Experience using AI tools is a major plus. This might include using them for university assignments, independent research, exploring unfamiliar subjects, or organizing information. We are particularly interested in applicants who can explain how they have used these tools and checked the results. Advanced technical skills are not expected, and an enthusiasm for learning is welcome.
Knowledge of languages other than English would also be useful, given the international and historical scope of the work.
Relevant Experience
Previous professional experience and specialist knowledge of free speech law are not required.
Relevant experience could include a university essay or dissertation, work for a student newspaper or journal, an independent research project, blogging, or experimenting with AI tools. We welcome examples that show curiosity, initiative, and care in finding and presenting information.
What You Will Gain
The internship offers an opportunity to:
- See how research contributes to books, opinion journalism, essays, and social media;
- Develop skills in finding sources, assessing evidence, and checking facts;
- Practice turning complex material into clear, concise research notes;
- Learn more about the history and contemporary debates surrounding freedom of expression;
- Explore how AI tools can support careful research; and
- Receive guidance and feedback on your work.
The intern’s research will support Jacob Mchangama’s writing and The Future of Free Speech’s work to advance freedom of expression internationally.