Background Investigator / Analyst

sandboxaq; United States; On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Equity participation

Job summary

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

The ideal candidate combines strong investigative research skills with good judgment and an understanding of privacy, employment screening, and personnel security.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Psychology, Intelligence Studies, or related field.
• 3-5 years of professional experience conducting background investigations or related investigative work.
• Proficiency with investigative research databases and tools or demonstrated ability to learn commercial research platforms quickly.
• Strong written communication skills 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 ability to manage multiple investigations while maintaining documentation.
• Ability to exercise discretion and sound judgment with confidential, sensitive information.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

OSINT proficiency

Investigative research

Written communication

Privacy regulations knowledge

Discretion handling sensitive data

Education

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

Tools

Investigative databases/tools

Job description

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.

Essential Skills & Experience

• 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 w