Hybrid Research Leader – Frontier AI Policy

at RAND Europe

• Job title: Research Leader – Frontier AI Policy
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Senior
• Salary: Not specified
• Degree requirement: Postgraduate Degree
• Location requirements: Hybrid, Cambridge, United Kingdom

About the role

• Lead AI policy research at RAND Europe, focusing on governance and decision-making. Work collaboratively to shape strategies, influence policymakers, and ensure impactful outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Leading AI governance research: Personally drive analytically rigorous projects informing frontier AI policy decisions by European governments (incl. UK) and EU institutions. Across the team, ensure we only do the projects that matter most, we scope and execute them well, and we take the further steps to cause policy improvements rather than just outputs.
• Building and leading a high-performing team: Set vision and strategy, motivate and mentor colleagues, support their career development, and play a key role in hiring. When necessary, operate as an entrepreneur in an environment with limited structure and guidance.
• Driving external impact and networks: Communicate research to policymakers and other stakeholders through high-impact written outputs and presentations; represent RAND at AI policy convenings; build strong relationships with AI policymakers, experts, and clients across Europe and internationally.
• Securing new work: When warranted, bring in project funding from a diverse range of clients, including foundations and public-sector bodies in the UK and EU. You would receive support on this, and we already have a strong fundraising track record and funder enthusiasm.
• Shaping organisational strategy and operations: Partner with RAND Europe and CAST senior leadership on strategic planning, goal-setting, and fundraising, and collaborate effectively with internal teams such as Finance, Quality Assurance, Talent, and HR. Oversee budgeting, staffing, and day-to-day delivery, underpinned by a clear roadmap for outputs and objectives, as well as sound financial oversight.

Requirements

• Advanced degree and relevant experience: PhD or Masters degree in a relevant field (or a similar terminal degree) plus demonstrable relevant work experience, including experience informing policymakers, Relevant fields include Computer Science, Economics, Law, Public Policy, or related disciplines. (Exceptional candidates with a less advanced degree but sufficient relevant work experience may be considered)
• AI governance expertise: Substantial experience in AI governance research or practice, evidenced by high-quality research outputs and/or relevant work in government or an AI company.
• Policy engagement experience: Experience working with decision-makers on emerging technology issues, either from within governments or other decision-making bodies or as an external adviser. Relevant institutions include European national governments, EU institutions, NATO, or frontier AI companies.
• Strategic focus on Europe’s role in AI: Strong motivation to think deeply about Europe’s role, and that of AI middle powers more generally, in AI geopolitics and governance.
• Communication skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills, including ability to explain complex topics (e.g. technical or legal topics) and their policy implications to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Entrepreneurial mindset: Proactive, opportunity-driven approach with strong skills in strategy development, project management, and mentoring colleagues.
• Security clearance: For UK based candidate, it would be an advantage if the candidate were able to obtain and maintain a UK security clearance.