Chatham House Research Associate – Digital Society Programme 2026–2027 (£38,000 Salary)

Applications are now open for the Chatham House Research Associate – Digital Society Programme 2026–2027. Chatham House is seeking an outstanding researcher to join its Digital Society Programme, which explores the geopolitics, governance, and political economy of emerging technologies.

The successful candidate will contribute to cutting-edge research on topics such as artificial intelligence, digital public infrastructure, international digital cooperation, technology governance, and digital platforms. The role also involves supporting policy engagement, fundraising, stakeholder collaboration, and the delivery of high-impact research projects.

About the Position

The Digital Society Programme investigates how emerging technologies are reshaping international affairs, governance, security, and economic development. Its research focuses on developing practical policy solutions that strengthen global technology governance while bridging gaps between governments, industry, and international organizations.

As a Research Associate, you will become part of a small, multidisciplinary team working on innovative research projects, policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, and public events. The role combines rigorous academic research with practical policy impact and offers opportunities to work closely with governments, technology experts, multilateral institutions, and private-sector partners.

Benefits

Successful candidates will receive:

• Annual salary of £38,000.
• Approximately 37 days of annual leave, including public holidays and Chatham House closure days.
• Pension salary exchange scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Enhanced parental leave benefits.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Opportunities to work in a globally recognized international affairs think tank.
• Access to an intellectually stimulating and collaborative research environment.

Key Responsibilities

The Research Associate will:

• Drive innovation in policy research using emerging technologies, particularly AI tools.
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative research, including literature reviews, stakeholder analysis, and data analysis.
• Produce policy papers, reports, briefs, opinion articles, and other research outputs.
• Present research findings through written reports, presentations, coding, and data visualizations.
• Communicate complex technical issues to policymakers, researchers, governments, and the private sector.
• Organize and coordinate conferences, workshops, roundtables, and policy discussions.
• Support fundraising efforts by contributing to grant proposals, workplans, and budgets.
• Collaborate with programme partners and colleagues across Chatham House.
• Support the Programme Director and Senior Research Fellow.
• Contribute to the implementation of Chatham House's Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should have:

• Proven research experience in technology governance or related fields.
• Expertise in areas such as:
  • Artificial Intelligence.
  • Digital Public Infrastructure.
  • International Digital Cooperation.
  • Technology Platforms.
• Experience applying qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Strong policy writing and analytical skills.
• Experience communicating research through reports, presentations, and other formats.
• Experience supporting fundraising activities and funding proposals.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and fact-checking skills.
• The ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders.

Preferred Skills

Candidates with experience in the following areas are particularly encouraged to apply:

• AI policy and governance.
• Data governance.
• Digital infrastructure.
• International technology policy.
• Research coding and data visualization.
• Stakeholder engagement.
• Event planning and moderation.
• Policy-oriented research dissemination.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare:

• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Completed online application form.
• Responses to application questions.
• Any additional documents requested during the recruitment process.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on:

• Relevant research experience.
• Technical knowledge of emerging technology governance.
• Quality of policy research and writing.
• Communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively.
• Organizational and project management capabilities.
• Experience supporting research projects and fundraising activities.

How to Apply

To apply:

1. Visit the official Chatham House careers portal.
2. Complete the online application form.
3. Upload your CV and any required supporting information.
4. Review your application carefully before submission.
5. Submit your application before the deadline.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted regarding the next stages of the recruitment process.