Thorn

Senior Researcher

Remote (US-Based) Full Time

At Thorn, our cause is our code. We are a nonprofit whose mission of defending children from sexual exploitation and abuse is deeply embedded within our core—a shared code that drives us to do challenging work with resilience and determination.

Here, you’ll work and grow among the best hearts and the best minds in tech, data, and business alongside our network of independent partners, NGOs, and law enforcement agencies. Together, we’re focused on building technology that protects children’s futures. We are looking for dynamic problem solvers with the desire to help address some of today’s toughest issues. You'll collaborate with a diverse group of peers in a remote environment centered on wellness, care, and compassion.

In 2019, we took the stage at TED and shared our audacious goal of eliminating child sexual abuse material from the internet. Come join us to help make this goal a reality and build a world where every child can be safe, curious, and happy.

About the Role

Thorn’s Research & Insights team delivers rigorous, high-impact research that informs our strategy and shapes the global understanding of online child sexual exploitation (OCSE). As a Senior Researcher, you’ll independently lead complex, mixed-method projects that generate actionable insights, improve organizational decision-making, and advance the broader field of child safety.

This role will shape Thorn’s research agenda by identifying emerging issues, gaps, and opportunities across the child safety ecosystem, and serve as a thought leader who can distill complexity and represent Thorn with credibility and impact. This role will lead research from strategy through execution and deliver insights that matter. 

Success in this role will be defined by the quality and influence of published research, its integration into organizational decisions, and Thorn’s continued recognition as a leader in child safety research.

What You’ll Do

  • Lead end-to-end research. Design and execute complex, mixed method studies—from strategy and study design through data collection, analysis, and dissemination—to address high-stakes questions. Research projects will include surveys, focus groups, interviews, background research, and more.
  • Translate insights into action. Distill complex findings into clear, compelling insights that inform Thorn’s strategy and advance understanding across the child safety ecosystem.
  • Collaborate across disciplines and with partners. Work closely with internal teams to ensure research insights and issue knowledge inform and shape our tools, messaging, and strategy. Work closely with partner organizations to advance our shared mission.
  • Uphold rigor, ethics, and inclusion. Maintain the highest standards in research design, execution, and analysis—especially when working with sensitive topics and vulnerable populations.
  • Monitor and anticipate trends. Track global developments in technology, exploitation patterns, and child protection to identify risks and opportunities for Thorn’s future work.
  • Represent Thorn externally. Share findings with partners, peers, and the public to strengthen Thorn’s influence and thought leadership in the field. Present at conferences and develop relationships that advance our mission.

What We’re Looking For

  • Mission alignment. Commitment to putting the children we serve at the center of everything you do.
  • Proven research expertise. Seven or more years of experience executing mixed-method studies that drive real-world decisions and impact.
  • Domain knowledge. Background in child safety, trust and safety, public health, child development, or technology. Deep familiarity with child sexual exploitation issues strongly preferred.
  • Analytical excellence. Skilled in survey design, data analysis, and synthesis across quantitative and qualitative methods.
  • Autonomy and strategic thinking. Ability to independently identify emerging issues, shape research direction, and connect insights to organizational strategy.
  • Exceptional communication. Skilled at translating complex research into clear, compelling insights for diverse audiences.
  • Commitment to inclusion. Dedicated to diversity, equity, and ethical research practices.
  • Flexibility to travel. Some travel is anticipated for this role.

Technologies We Use 

Experience with the following technologies is a plus, but not required:

  • Project Management: Asana, JIRA
  • Communication: Slack, Zoom
  • Production: Google Suite (docs, sheets, & slides), Overleaf, Adobe InCopy

Compensation and Benefits

A reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role is $146,000 - $201,250/year. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to location; skill sets; experience and training; licensure, and certifications.

Our remote-first work model is structured around working from home most of the time. But, there will be times that employees are expected to travel. For example, Thorn may host company-wide gatherings, and smaller teams may hold in-person meetings and team-building events, or require attendance at specific conferences.

At Thorn, we know that great people make a great organization. We value our people and offer employees a broad range of benefits. Learn more about what working at Thorn can mean for you.


Thorn is strengthened by the wide range of experiences and perspectives on our team. We value the diversity of our professional backgrounds, subject matter expertise, cultures, and perspectives because they help us solve complex problems and serve our mission more effectively. We hire based on merit, qualifications, and organizational need, and we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all employees can thrive.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Thorn is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. We provide reasonable accommodations to ensure candidates and employees with disabilities can fully participate in the application process, perform essential job functions, and access all the benefits and privileges of employment. If you need an accommodation, please contact us at hiring@wearethorn.org

Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal