Background Investigator / Analyst

SandboxAQ; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

SandboxAQ is seeking an experienced Background Investigator / Analyst to join our Information Security team. You will manage investigations from intake to final reporting, using OSINT and investigative tools to assess personnel risk, and deliver clear, concise risk dossiers to executives.

The role requires 3–5 years in background investigations, strong written communication, and a solid understanding of privacy regulations governing employment screening.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in a related field.
• 3–5 years of background investigations or related investigative work.
• Strong written communication and ability to synthesize findings into risk assessments.
• Proficiency with investigative research databases and tools.
• Understanding of privacy regulations governing background investigations.

Responsibilities

• Leverage OSINT and commercial investigative tools to gather information.
• Verify accuracy, completeness, and reliability of information from sources.
• Perform quantitative risk analysis to support determinations.
• Partner with HR, Legal, and Information Security to identify and mitigate risks.
• Handle sensitive data with discretion and elevate high-risk findings to leadership.
• Refine investigative methodologies and reporting standards as programs mature.
• Conduct research in accordance with laws, regulations, and policies.

Skills

Investigative research

Analytical thinking

Written communication

Privacy compliance

Discretion

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Psychology, Intelligence Studies, or a related field

Tools

Investigative databases

OSINT tools

Job description

At SandboxAQ, we are committed to competitive, equitable, and transparent compensation; we continuously benchmark our salaries and total compensation to premium markets to ensure our competitiveness. Individual pay within the above range is determined by job-related skills, experience, education, and geographic location.

With a focus on pay equity and ensuring opportunity for future salary progression, our typical practice is to hire within the first half of the base salary range for a given role and level. This approach allows us to reward performance and increasing expertise consistently as your career develops with us.

We use geographic pay tiers to reflect the pay differences in local markets:
For the US:

Tier 1: Applies to candidates within 50 miles of New York, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, Wash D.C., Boston

Tier 2: Applies to candidates within 50 miles of Portland, Boulder, Austin, Denver, Chicago, San Diego, Miami, Houston, Dallas, Philadelphia, LA

Tier 3: Everywhere else in the US

For the UK:

Tier 1: Applies to candidates within 50 miles of London, Cambridge, Oxford

Tier 2: Everywhere else in the UK

For Canada:

Tier 1: Applies to candidates within 50 miles of Toronto & Vancouver

Tier 2: Everywhere else in Canada

About SandboxAQ

SandboxAQ is a high-growth company delivering AI solutions that address some of the world's greatest challenges. The company’s Large Quantitative Models (LQMs) power advances in life sciences, financial services, navigation, cybersecurity, and other sectors.

We are a global team that is tech-focused and includes experts in AI, chemistry, cybersecurity, physics, mathematics, medicine, engineering, and other specialties. The company emerged from Alphabet Inc. as an independent, growth capital-backed company in 2022, funded by leading investors and supported by a braintrust of industry leaders.

At SandboxAQ, we’ve cultivated an environment that encourages creativity, collaboration, and impact. By investing deeply in our people, we’re building a thriving, global workforce poised to tackle the world's epic challenges. Join us to advance your career in pursuit of an inspiring mission, in a community of like-minded people who value entrepreneurialism, ownership, and transformative impact.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Background Investigator / Analyst to join our Information Security team and the insider threat program. In this role, you will partner with HR, Information Security, and Legal teams to identify, evaluate, and quantify personnel risk, delivering comprehensive analytical reports to substantiate risk determinations.

The ideal candidate combines strong investigative research skills with sound analytical judgment and an understanding of privacy, employment screening, and personnel security considerations. You will independently manage investigations from intake through final reporting, identify relevant risk indicators, assess source credibility, and provide actionable recommendations to executive stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Leverage open-source intelligence (OSINT) and commercial investigative tools to facilitate comprehensive information gathering and research.

Verify the accuracy, completeness, and reliability of information gathered from available sources.

Perform quantitative risk analysis based on available information, applying a consistent and repeatable methodology to support risk determinations.

Partner with HR, Legal, and Information Security teams to identify, triage, and mitigate internal and external personnel security risks.

Handle sensitive personal data with appropriate discretion and elevate high-risk or ambiguous findings to leadership in a timely manner.

Help refine investigative methodologies, risk-scoring models, research procedures, and reporting standards as the organization's personnel risk program matures.

Conduct research and analysis in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, company policies, and ethical standards.

Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Psychology, Intelligence Studies, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).

3–5 years of professional experience conducting background investigations, due diligence research, employment screening, corporate investigations, intelligence analysis, or related investigative work, particularly involving US-based individuals or organizations.

Proficiency with investigative research databases and tools or demonstrated ability to learn commercial research platforms quickly.

Strong written communication skills with the ability to synthesize complex findings into clear, concise risk assessments and dossiers.

Understanding of privacy regulations, and ethical standards governing background investigations and employment screening.

Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple investigations while maintaining accurate documentation and consistent investigative standards.

Ability to exercise discretion and sound judgment when working with confidential, sensitive, or potentially adverse information.

Preferred Requirements

Experience with open-source intelligence (OSINT) techniques and tools for investigating individuals and corporate entities.

Familiarity with insider threat frameworks, indicators of compromise, or personnel security concepts (e.g., NISPOM, SEAD guidelines, general operation in FCL environments).

Knowledge of foreign influence risk factors, export control regulations (ITAR/EAR), or IP protection concerns in a corporate environment.

Prior experience in a corporate security, information security, or risk management function (vs. purely federal/government investigation).

Relevant certifications such as Certified Background Investigator (CBI), Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA) membership, FCRA certification, or Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE).

Why Join Us?

We offer competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits package, and opportunities for professional growth.

Compensation: Competitive base salary, performance-based incentives or bonuses (where applicable), and equity participation.

Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents with generous employer premium contributions, retirement savings with company matching, paid parental leave, and inclusive family-building benefits.

Work-Life Balance: Fully remote, Flexible paid time off, company-wide seasonal breaks, and support for flexible work arrangements that enable sustainable performance.

Career Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and growth through on-the-job development, cross-functional collaboration, and access to internal learning and development programs.

SandboxAQ Welcomes All

We are committed to fostering a culture of belonging and respect, where diverse perspectives are actively sought and valued. Our multidisciplinary environment provides ample opportunity for continuous growth - working alongside humble, empowered, and ambitious colleagues ready to tackle epic challenges.

Equal Employment Opportunity: All qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status.

Accommodations: We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities in job application procedures for open roles. If you need such an accommodation, please let a member of our Recruiting team know.

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