Research Associate

Vocal is seeking a qualitative researcher with a nose for narrative. You'll spend your days inside the platforms — TikTok, Instagram, X, Reddit, and beyond — identifying the emerging trends, influential voices, and shifting attitudes that shape how issues resonate with online audiences.

Conduct open-ended qualitative research across social media platforms, forums, and online communities to identify emerging narratives, trends, and audience attitudes relevant to specific issue areas

Track discourse across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, and niche online spaces, developing a real-time read on how conversations are forming and shifting

Identify and analyze influential voices, content formats, and messaging patterns driving engagement on key topics

Synthesize qualitative findings into clear, compelling deliverables such as memos, briefs, and presentations that translate online discourse into actionable insights for non-technical audiences

Blend qualitative observations with quantitative signals to develop a well-rounded picture of how issues are resonating online

1-2 years of professional experience working in a digital media environment or as a researcher

Deep familiarity with social media platforms and online communities, you spend time in these spaces and understand how content spreads, how subcultures communicate, and how algorithms shape what gets seen

Strong research instincts, the ability to identify the right places to look, ask the right questions, and know when you've found something meaningful

Exceptional written communication skills, with experience translating complex or nuanced findings into clear narratives for non-technical audiences

Comfort working alongside quantitative analysts and interpreting data to complement qualitative observations

Interest in working for progressive causes including experience with political campaign(s) or public interest groups