Human Rights Watch is hiring two researchers for 2026. Apply for the Senior Researcher (Criminal Justice) role in the United States with a salary of up to US$104,000 or the China Researcher position. Applications close 13–14 July 2026.
Human Rights Watch Hiring Two Researchers
Are you an experienced researcher, human rights advocate, lawyer, journalist, or policy professional looking to make a global impact? Human Rights Watch (HRW) has opened applications for two exciting full-time research positionswithin its United States and Asia programmes.
These opportunities allow professionals to contribute to one of the world’s leading independent human rights organizations, conducting high-impact research, influencing public policy, and advocating for justice.
The two vacancies are:
- Senior Researcher, Criminal Justice (United States) – Salary: US$88,000–104,000 | Application Deadline: 13 July 2026
- Researcher, China (Asia Division) – Application Deadline: 14 July 2026
Whether your expertise is in criminal justice, racial justice, international human rights, public policy, or China studies, these roles provide an opportunity to contribute to evidence-based advocacy that influences governments, international institutions, and public debate.
About Human Rights Watch
Human Rights Watch (HRW) is one of the world’s most respected international human rights organizations. Through independent investigations, rigorous research, and strategic advocacy, HRW works to expose human rights abuses and promote accountability around the world.
The organization operates across regional and thematic programmes, working with governments, civil society organizations, international institutions, journalists, and affected communities to advance human rights and the rule of law.
Vacancy 1: Senior Researcher, Criminal Justice
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Position | Senior Researcher, Criminal Justice |
| Programme | United States Program |
| Location | Multiple US Locations |
| Salary | US$88,000–104,000 per year |
| Deadline | 13 July 2026 |
| Experience | Minimum 7 years |
About the Role
The successful candidate will lead Human Rights Watch’s criminal justice research and advocacy work across the United States.
Key areas of focus include:
- Criminal justice reform
- Policing and use of force
- Racial justice
- Due process
- Police accountability
- Human rights advocacy
- Legal and policy analysis
The role combines research, advocacy, public engagement, coalition building, media work, and policy development.
Who Should Apply?
Ideal candidates may have backgrounds in:
- Law
- Criminal Justice
- Human Rights
- Public Policy
- Journalism
- Civil Rights
- Litigation
- Research
- Academia
- Government
Applicants should have at least seven years of relevant professional experience together with strong research, advocacy, writing, and public speaking skills.
Vacancy 2: Researcher, China
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Position | Researcher, China |
| Division | Asia Division |
| Location | Multiple Locations Considered |
| Deadline | 14 July 2026 |
| Experience | Minimum 5 years |
About the Role
Human Rights Watch is seeking an experienced researcher to investigate and document human rights developments in China.
The successful candidate will conduct detailed research, produce reports and briefings, engage with international stakeholders, and contribute to advocacy strategies aimed at addressing human rights concerns.
The role also involves working closely with NGOs, journalists, academics, diplomats, and international organizations while supporting public advocacy and media engagement.
Preferred Background
Applicants are encouraged to have experience in:
- China studies
- Human Rights
- International Relations
- Law
- Journalism
- Public Policy
- Social Sciences
Fluency in English and Mandarin is required, while experience researching technology-related abuses or Tibetan issues is considered an advantage.
Human Rights Watch welcomes applicants from all nationalities and notes that relocation assistance and immigration support may be available for this position.
Why Work at Human Rights Watch?
Working at Human Rights Watch offers the opportunity to contribute to globally respected research that informs governments, international organizations, media, and civil society.
Employees benefit from:
- Meaningful international work
- Professional development
- Collaborative global teams
- Comprehensive employee benefits
- International advocacy opportunities
- Exposure to major global human rights issues
- Diverse and inclusive workplace culture
For the US Senior Researcher role, HRW also offers employer-paid medical, dental, vision, retirement benefits, disability and life insurance, together with paid annual leave.
Key Skills HRW Looks For
Successful applicants typically demonstrate:
- Human rights research
- Legal analysis
- Policy analysis
- Report writing
- Interviewing techniques
- Public speaking
- Advocacy
- Strategic thinking
- Stakeholder engagement
- Excellent communication skills
- Cross-cultural collaboration
Recruitment Process
Applicants should submit:
- Updated CV or Resume
- Cover Letter
Shortlisted candidates will proceed through Human Rights Watch’s recruitment process.
Human Rights Watch notes that it reviews complete applications and contacts shortlisted candidates directly.
Why FlexJobSpace Recommends These Opportunities
Human Rights Watch remains one of the most respected employers in the international human rights sector. These two research positions offer professionals the opportunity to influence public policy, contribute to internationally recognised investigations, and work alongside leading experts in law, journalism, advocacy, and human rights.
Whether you specialise in criminal justice reform or human rights research on China, these vacancies provide an excellent platform for building an impactful international career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which role offers the published salary?
The Senior Researcher, Criminal Justice position offers a salary of US$88,000–104,000 per year.
What is the deadline?
- Senior Researcher (US): 13 July 2026.
- Researcher, China: 14 July 2026.
Does HRW provide relocation support?
Yes. Human Rights Watch states that relocation assistance and immigration support may be available for the China Researcher role where required.
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted through the official Human Rights Watch careers portal.
Senior Researcher, Criminal Justice (USA)
Deadline: 13 July 2026
Official Application: https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/humanrightswatch/jobs/8604670002
Researcher, China
Deadline: 14 July 2026
Official Application: https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/humanrightswatch/jobs/8617191002 (or via the HRW Careers portal if the direct posting changes)
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Final Thoughts
If you are passionate about advancing human rights through rigorous research and evidence-based advocacy, these Human Rights Watch research opportunities are among the most compelling international vacancies currently open. Whether your expertise lies in criminal justice reform in the United States or human rights research focused on China, these roles offer the chance to contribute to work that shapes public policy, supports accountability, and drives meaningful global change. Apply before the respective deadlines to be considered for these exceptional career opportunities.
