Graduate Fritz Fellow

NOTE: There are multiple openings for Fritz Fellows. Be sure to include the appropriate project name in your application. See instructions here.

Job Overview

The Fritz Family Fellowship is a unique program that is designed to be interdisciplinary from the ground up. Each research project is co-designed and mentored by faculty from at least two different parts of the campus, building multiple disciplines into the foundation of the research. Building on expertise from across Tech & Society, the Fritz Family Fellowship aims to cultivate the next generation of leaders with expertise in the social impacts of technology, and build a network of public interest technologists who learn from and support each other’s work.

Brennan Schaffner (KGI, CCT), Peter Chapman (KGI), Meg Jones (CCT), and Leticia Bode (KGI,CCT) are hiring a part-time Graduate Fritz Family Fellow to join their research project titled “Mapping the Use of Empirical Evidence in Digital Platform Litigation.”

This student position will work directly with a postdoctoral researcher to conduct research to advance a project that seeks to better understand how, when, how much, what kind, and under what circumstances empirical research is integrated into tech policy litigation in the United States with an emphasis on federal courts.

While there are dozens of entities that engage in tech policymaking, the project will examine the role of litigation, including consumer protection and product liability claims as well as challenges to social media and digital platform regulation, including platform design codes and transparency mandates. Through this analysis, the project seeks to clarify the role of empirical research in judicial processes and inform future scholarship, policy, and design related to platform accountability.

Specific project aims related to this goal include understanding:

• What research is cited in briefs for digital platform claims in different types of federal cases?
• What research is cited in amicus briefs for digital platform claims in different types of federal cases?
• What are the attributes of that research?
• How have courts used (or not used) that research?
• Has it been ignored, incorporated, interpreted, determinative, emphasized, etc?

CONTENT WARNING: some of the case materials may contain disturbing content, including descriptions or images of harm to minors.

Requirements and Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a JD, MA, or MS at Georgetown
• Excellent communication, research, and writing skills
• Ability to work independently
• Attention to detail
• Ability to work on and appropriately prioritize multiple tasks simultaneously
• Experience with summarizing legal materials (preferred)
• Experience with translating research for a policy audience (preferred)
• Familiarity with contemporary tech litigation landscape (preferred)

Beyond the project specific requirements, all Fritz Family Fellows are required to:

• Participate in four required events over the year: Fall Orientation, Fall Workshop, Spring Workshop, Annual Conference
• Attend at least one event hosted by each of the two contributing programs (KGI, CCT)
• Check in with the Fritz Fellows Coordinator every 1–2 months
• Write an end-of-year reflection on the fellowship program

Application details

To apply to this job, please submit the following materials through the GMS student job posting by August 15, 2026 and make sure to name the files: “PROJECT NAME_(resume, cover letter, etc)_Last name, first initial.”

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Unofficial Transcript
• Writing sample (optional)

APPLICATION DEADLINE: August 15, 2026

ANTICIPATED START DATE: August 31, 2026

Note that applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position may be filled prior to the deadline.

Compensation

The pay range for this position which represents the full range of anticipated compensation is: $23.34 – $30.00/hour

Compensation is determined by a number of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s individual qualifications, experience, education, skills, and certifications, as well as the University’s business needs and external factors.

Work Mode Designation

All remote work must be performed within the DMV area. The successful candidate should be available for some in-person engagements on the Capitol Campus and occasionally the main campus, though much of the work can be completed remotely.

The candidate will work between 10 and 20 hours a week during the school year, depending on the needs of the team and the schedule of the candidate.

About the Knight-Georgetown Institute

The Knight-Georgetown Institute (KGI) serves as a central hub for translating research into practical resources that policymakers, journalists, and private and public sector leaders can use to tackle information and technology issues in real time, ranging from artificial intelligence to the spread of misinformation and disinformation.

KGI helps policymakers and tech industry leaders address pressing issues related to technology, policy, and ethics and make informed decisions on how technology is used to shape, produce, and share information across platforms. The institute will also train the next generation of leaders to shape the future of information and technology for the common good.

Additional Information

Need Assistance?

If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodations for any part of the application and hiring process, please visit the Office for Equal Opportunity Compliance website for general information about requesting accommodations, as well as information about requesting accommodations specifically for applicants. You also can also contact the Office for Equal Opportunity Compliance at (202) 687-4798 or oeoc@georgetown.edu.

Need some assistance with the application process? Please call 202-687-2500. For more information about the suite of benefits, professional development and community involvement opportunities that make up Georgetown’s commitment to its employees, please visit the Georgetown Works website.

EEO Statement

GU is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply, and will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, citizenship, color, disability, family responsibilities, gender identity and expression, genetic information, marital status, matriculation, national origin, race, religion, personal appearance, political affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.