Research Leader - Frontier AI Policy

Rand Europe; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research organisation in the UK seeks a Research Leader for its frontier AI policy team. This role involves leading strategic research projects, fostering a high-performing team, and engaging with policymakers to influence AI governance. Ideal candidates have advanced degrees and substantial experience in AI governance. You will work closely with international partners to shape impactful policies and strategies. The position supports a hybrid working model and encourages collaboration across multiple locations.

Qualifications

• Experience in AI governance research or practice.
• Experience working with decision-makers on technology issues.
• Strong understanding of Europe’s role in AI geopolitics.

Responsibilities

• Lead AI governance research projects informing policy decisions.
• Build and lead a high-performing research team.
• Communicate research to policymakers and stakeholders.
• Secure project funding and partnerships.
• Shape organisational strategy and operations.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Research and writing skills

Policy engagement

Project management

Communication skills

Education

PhD or Master's degree in relevant field

Job description

RAND Europe is an independent, not-for-profit research organisation whose mission is to help improve policy and decision-making through rigorous and independent research and analysis. We benefit the public interest through the impact and wide dissemination of over 200 projects per year. Our work at its most impactful changes policy, practice and process to the benefit of the public good. That is also our organisational mission

RAND Europe has approximately 200 staff across offices in Cambridge, Brussels, and the Hague. Our staff represents 22 nationalities, speaks over 20 languages and covers 31 academic disciplines. Our multi- and inter-disciplinary approaches to research generate unique perspectives and insights for our wide-ranging government, foundation and other NGO clients.

The Science and Emerging Technology (SET) team has members whose backgrounds span a wide range of natural and social science disciplines. We collaborate widely with like-minded academic organisations, consultancies and think tanks across Europe, with the RAND Corporation in the U.S., and we have and continue to build strong research partnerships with collaborators internationally. The Science and Emerging Technology team comprises 30 researchers spanning research topics including research on research and emerging technology policy. We are a team of individuals committed to bringing the benefits of research, science and technology to bear on decision-making across sectors – in government, industry, charities and international organisations.

We now wish to recruit a Research Leader to lead our portfolio of work on European Frontier AI Policy. This is an exciting opportunity working with the one of the world’s most respected public policy research organisations to lead our frontier AI policy team in Europe (including the UK). You would play a key role in setting the team’s strategy and ensuring quality and impact for its work. Key requirements are strategic thinking, research and writing skills, alignment with our mission and a fast-paced, collaborative environment, background in some of the topics and policy landscapes we work on, and aptitude for policy engagement and management.

A key feature of the role will be working in close collaboration with RAND US colleagues in the Centre for AI, Security and Technology (CAST ). By uniting world-class policy analysis with leading technical expertise, CAST aims to give decision-makers the insight they need to navigate global emerging threats. CAST’s work focuses on AI security, AIxBio, AI and energy, bioresilience, compute governance, mirror biology and jurisdiction-specific technology policy in the US and Europe. CAST has strong credibility and connections across both European governments and the US government, a fast-moving, impact-obsessed team, a critical mass of (technical) expertise in key areas for frontier AI policy, strong enthusiasm from funders, ability to do classified work and work directly commissioned by governments, and a track record of real impact.

Key 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.

Personal qualities

• Commercially astute, analytical thinker with the ability to see issues strategically and at a practical level from a variety of perspectives.
• The networking and sales presentation skills to build relationships at senior levels, facilitate joint decision making and develop an order book of business with potential funders and collaborators.
• An inclusive, motivated leader and coach with the inspirational interpersonal skills to motivate a team, instill standards of excellence and develop people as appropriate for career progression.
• Hands‑on, team player with a strong commitment to rigorous research, customer service and the ability to project manage multiple tasks and work to tight deadlines.
• Self‑starter with high energy levels, who is comfortable working with ambiguity as well as process, and quick to spot a commercial opportunity.
• Open minded, with the humility to recognise success in others and accept challenge from highly capable junior members of the team.

This role can be based in either RAND Europe’s Cambridge, Hague or Brussels office, working alongside RAND Europe colleagues. We ask staff to attend the office a minimum of one day per week. There will also be some requirement to travel and spend brief periods away visiting clients on site – typically in London and Brussels though occasionally further afield.