I just received my PhD in an emerging field where there is very little existing academic work. However, I've noticed more and more young scholars interested in this field. I am one of few people (at least in the U.S.) to conduct research in this field, and am wondering if I am able to further advance research in this field by supervising students across the U.S. (or even in other countries), without being officially affiliated with their university. However, I'd like a least a bit of an income from this, as it would be very time-intensive and potentially a full-time commitment if there was enough interest.

I foresee helping students with initial research ideas, connecting students with resources within the field (like interview participants), helping to transcribe interviews and analyze data, and/or editing of theses' and dissertations. Is this something I could offer to universities for a modest cost? Would anyone bite? How would I go about pulling this off?

Thanks for your input!

Not really sure what you mean - if you want to do those things, you need to find a university that is looking for someone to do that and then apply for the job. They would be unlikely to offer you work like that if you contacted them unsolicited. Some of those roles would be what university academics do so there wouldn't be roles to, for example, help students with initial research - that's what the supervisor does. Some of your ideas sound like a research assistant role. So take a look and see whether there are any roles you're interested in.

Also - no chance of being able to supervise without being affiliated with a Uni - as who would award the degree?