Part-Time: 20 hours/week (may increase over time)

About Yaqeen Institute

Yaqeen is a nonprofit on a mission to pioneer Islamic research in creative, cutting-edge formats tailored to meet people where they are. We work to dismantle doubts through well-researched truths, nurture conviction by strengthening belief with practical, spiritual guidance, and inspire contribution by reviving our tradition of faithful changemakers, insha’Allah. We’re seeking like-minded professionals who embody Islamic values including sincerity, excellence, and compassion, and want to make a difference in the faith of people worldwide.

About the role

Yaqeen Institute is seeking a meticulous and intellectually curious Media Editorial Researcher to join our dynamic content team. This role is pivotal in ensuring the academic rigor, factual accuracy, and narrative depth of our video and audio productions. You will be the research backbone for our shows, podcasts, and video essays, providing our hosts and producers with the well-documented information needed to create compelling and trustworthy content.

This role is ideal for someone passionate about Islamic scholarship and contemporary issues, who thrives on deep-dive research, and has a keen eye for stories and facts that resonate. A strong parallel for this position is the work done by editorial research teams for acclaimed informational programs like Last Week Tonight with John Oliver or The Daily Show, where deep research and fact-checking are the foundation of every segment.

What you'll do

• Background Research: Conduct in-depth research on a wide range of topics related to Islamic studies, history, social sciences, and current events to support upcoming content productions.
• Evidence Gathering: Systematically locate, gather, and synthesize information from academic journals, primary source texts, reputable news outlets, and expert publications to build a strong, evidence-based foundation for scripts and talking points.
• Fact-Checking & Verification: Meticulously verify all claims, statistics, names, dates, and historical accounts within scripts and other content materials. Create and maintain detailed annotation and citation records for all sourced information.
• Narrative Identification: Identify compelling statistics, anecdotes, historical precedents, and expert voices that can enhance storytelling and make complex topics more accessible and engaging for our audience.
• Briefing & Summarization: Prepare clear, concise research briefs, summaries, and annotated bibliographies for content producers, writers, and hosts.
• Source Management: Organize and maintain a repository of research materials and sources for team access and future reference.
• General Support: Assist with evolving needs and additional responsibilities that contribute to the team's overall mission and content goals.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing or has completed a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Islamic Studies, Journalism, History, Political Science, or a related field in the humanities or social sciences.
• Demonstrated experience in academic or journalistic research, with a strong ability to distinguish between credible and unreliable sources.
• Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to the highest standards of accuracy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear and concise summaries.
• Familiarity with academic databases (e.g., JSTOR, ProQuest) and advanced search engine techniques.
• Ability to work independently, manage deadlines effectively, and collaborate remotely as part of a creative team.
• A strong passion for Yaqeen's mission and a familiarity with our content and approach.
• Familiarity with classical Islamic sciences and primary sources is a strong plus.
• Experience in a media, publishing, or think tank environment is preferred but not required.

Assignment

Prepare foundational research for a Focal Point episode on Islam and the Black Nationalist movements in the US during the 1960s and 70s. Identify and trace key institutions and figures, their evolution and disbandment/marginalization, and the overall results of this period of American history and its significance for Muslims today.

Yaqeen Institute embraces a philosophy that values and promotes diversity. Our goal is to attract, develop, retain, and advance a talented and diverse workforce within a culture where all employees are empowered to reach their fullest potential.

Please note that all career opportunities at Yaqeen Institute are subject to a three-month probationary period, during which we assess performance, alignment with our values, and mutual fit to ensure long-term success in the role.