Research Fellow
Berkman Center for Internet & Society
Cambridge, MA 02138

Project: The OpenNet Initiative (ONI) carries out empirical research on Internet censorship and surveillance around the globe.  ONI activities represent the first rigorous attempt to document Internet filtering and surveillance on a global scale.  In the past year, the ONI carried out research in over fifty countries. The reports produced in the past year are available at http://opennet.net. 

The ONI is a collaborative partnership of four leading academic institutions: the Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard Law School; the Citizen Lab at the Munk Centre for International Studies, University of Toronto; the Advanced Network Research Group at the Cambridge Security Programme, University of Cambridge; and the Oxford Internet Institute at Oxford University. 

ONI research brings together researchers from many fields including law, economics, political science and technology.  In addition to the researchers at the four core institutions, the ONI draws on collaborators around the globe. 

The testing conducted by ONI produced the first global level comparison of filtering practices and provides a baseline upon which future filtering can be compared.  However, Internet filtering, content regulation and surveillance is becoming more prevalent around the world and increasing in sophistication.   Research activities at the ONI are growing apace, taking on new areas of study such as election monitoring, comparative legal studies and cross-country analyses of trends in Internet filtering.  ONI is also making strides to bring this important research to a broader audience, to widen the community that is engaged in ONI research, and to raise awareness of the complex policy issues related to Internet filtering. 

Responsibilities: Working closely with the principal investigators, ONI researchers, and others in the Berkman community, the research fellow will be involved in all aspects of the project, including: analysis and diagnostic work related to Internet filtering; conducting research on the technical aspects of filtering;  writing and editing case studies, blog posts, and country reports; coordinating testing and analysis; recruiting and supervising research assistants; organizing (with logistical support) workshops and major conferences; contributing to communications efforts and outreach; coordinating contributions from the ONI and Berkman community of faculty, fellows, staff, students and others still; and developing supportive tools and media as appropriate.  Other duties/responsibilities include relationship-building, collaboration with others working in this space, and general promotion of the project through conversation and writing.

Requirements: Expert understanding of Internet technology; strong interest in free speech and international issues.  Must possess a blend of knowledge, curiosity, openness and self-motivation.  Strong written and oral communication skills are essential, and an advanced degree in relevant field is required.  Familiarity with new media and technology tools and proven ability to coordinate logistics and/or research projects are valuable.  Desire to work for dynamic, mission-driven organization is a must. Must be willing to travel.

Organization: The Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard Law School is proud to be celebrating its tenth year as a research program founded to explore cyberspace, share in its study, and help pioneer its development.  Founded in 1997, through a generous gift from Jack N. and Lillian R. Berkman, the Center now is home to an ever-growing community of faculty, fellows, staff, and affiliates working on projects that span the intersections among innovation, democracy, learning, law, technology, and policy.

Applications and Questions:
To apply, email a current CV or resume, a cover letter summarizing your interest and key experience, and a list of references to The Berkman Center's Administrative Manager Catherine Bracy at cbracy[at]cyber.law.harvard.edu.

Term position ending June 30, 2009, with opportunity for continuation contingent on funding and project status.