Non-Resident Fellows Program

The Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT)’s Non-Resident Fellows Program provides academics with an opportunity to engage directly with CDT and contribute their expertise to our policy work. Our Fellows represent a diverse range of academic fields and disciplines, reflecting the far-reaching impact of technology on nearly every aspect of society and everyday life.

About: 

The Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT)’s Non-Resident Fellows (NRF) Program brings leading scholars and academics into direct engagement with CDT’s policy work. The program provides Fellows with opportunities to share their research and expertise with CDT staff, engage in policy discussions, and help inform the organization’s thinking on emerging technology and its impact on society.

Our Fellows represent a diverse range of academic disciplines, institutions, and areas of expertise, reflecting the increasingly interdisciplinary nature of technology policy. From law and political science to computer science, sociology, economics, and beyond, NRFs bring perspectives that help CDT better understand the complex ways technology shapes — and is shaped by — our institutions, communities, and everyday lives.

Through this engagement, the program seeks to bridge the gap between academic research and public-interest technology policy, creating meaningful opportunities for scholars and practitioners to learn from one another and translate research into actionable insights. Fellows also become part of a broader community of researchers and technology policy experts, providing opportunities to build relationships, exchange ideas, and collaborate on issues at the forefront of technology and democracy.

What Are the Objectives of CDT’s Non-Resident Fellow’s Program?

The Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT)’s Non-Resident Fellows program is an opportunity for researchers to engage directly with and inform our policy work. Our Fellows represent a wide range of academic fields and disciplines, reflecting the tremendous impact technology has on all aspects of life. CDT Fellows collaborate with CDT by volunteering their time to:

* Inform and advance CDT’s research and policy work

* Amplify CDT’s voice and connect CDT with leading experts in relevant fields

* Work with CDT to strengthen the public engagement and policy impact of fellows’ own research

Who Do We Look For?

CDT is looking for researchers with diverse experiences and backgrounds advocating for global digital rights. Backgrounds can include but are not limited to sociology, psychology, computer science, economics, communication, political science, HCI, media studies, and law.

Minimum Qualifications

Qualified applicants commit to a two-year, nonresident engagement and must hold a full-time position at an academic institution. Candidates should have published impactful work in peer-reviewed academic venues and have experience working on tech policy issues relevant to CDT’s areas of work, with a particular emphasis on U.S. and EU developments. The program is not open to current students or post-doctoral researchers, and candidates ideally possess a terminal degree (Ph.D., J.D., etc.) or equivalent experience in their respective field of study. 

Application Process

Please send a full CV, a relevant writing sample and a cover letter, describing your interest in the position and your experience/qualifications for such work, by clicking the "apply for this position" button below. These materials should be compiled into one PDF or document for submission. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact [email protected].

Application close date: Sunday, October 4th. 

How Do They Work With CDT?

CDT’s Non-Resident Fellows participate in policy strategy calls and are regularly invited to join briefings around emerging issues. Fellows are also encouraged to contribute original writing to CDT’s blog, present their work, and engage in collaborative projects with our research and policy teams. CDT may also provide opportunities to provide feedback on policy positions, white papers, research, and other outputs.

In addition to committing to serving for at least two years, CDT Non-Resident Fellows agree to complete at least one of the following over the two years (should be on issues relevant to CDT’s work and be timely): 

* Co-author a CDT blog post or Tech Talk (podcast)
* Speak, present, or contribute to a CDT-branded event
* Collaborate with CDT on the development of a funding proposal

CDT’s Non-Resident Fellows are invited to participate in CDT-branded events (e.g., CDT Working Groups, policy roundtables, and other events), where appropriate. Fellows are also encouraged to promote CDT to their external networks by sharing CDT outputs, job internship and externship opportunities, and connecting CDT with emerging research and policy discussions or events within their institutions.

CDT’s Non-Resident Fellows may be invited to conduct research in collaboration with CDT on mutually agreed projects that relate to CDT’s core research and advocacy work. Fellows are also welcome to propose joint research projects that they think would be a good fit for CDT’s work. CDT considers these proposals in the context of organizational goals, capacity, and resources.

CDT requires that a memorandum of understanding (MOU)  be issued to each non-resident Fellow at the beginning of their term. Each MOU will outline key dates and deliverables for each two-year term as well as guidelines for the appropriate use of CDT branding.

How CDT Will Support the Non-Resident Fellows

At the start of their program, CDT conducts an orientation program that includes details on how Fellows work with CDT, how CDT promotes Fellows' research, and how to participate in the tech policy process.

CDT commits to providing regular updates on key tech and internet policy developments, engaging fellows in relevant working groups, and offering expert insights on Fellows’ research interests.. All Fellows are invited to attend certain CDT-branded public events and webinars, including our Annual Dinner, Tech Prom, as guests of CDT.

As a CDT Non-Resident Fellow, you'll be an active part of our community, with invitations to events and programs over the course of the program. You'll also engage directly with our experts. In turn, you will have the chance to provide feedback and suggestions to CDT, contributing to our work on developing trends and issues.