Head of AI, Technology and Regulation

Eligibility:
Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK, as we are unable to sponsor visas.

Location:

London

Job Type: Full-Time, hybrid (3 days in the office, 2 days remote)

Contract:

Two-year fixed-term contract, with funding secured for the period

Reports to:

Director General

Travel:
International travel will be required

We are interested in candidates who combine intellectual depth with curiosity, adaptability and strong people skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Research and Intellectual Leadership
• Develop the intellectual direction and research programme of the AI, Technology and Regulation Desk in collaboration with the Director General, Senior Fellows and relevant advisers.
• Undertake rigorous research into AI governance, regulation, emerging technologies and institutional capacity.
• Produce high-quality research papers, policy briefings, working papers and other publications capable of informing policymakers, regulators, businesses and wider public debate.
• Develop original research questions that look beyond immediate policy controversies and anticipate emerging challenges over the next five to ten years.
• Monitor developments in artificial intelligence, emerging technologies and technology regulation across North America, the European Union, the United Kingdom, India, and other relevant jurisdictions.
• Produce rapid-response analysis where developments warrant timely intervention, while ensuring that the Desk's research programme remains focused on longer-term strategic questions.
• Contribute to research across other ICfS Desks where AI and technology intersect with democracy, security, sustainability, markets, education and institutional resilience.
• Design and contribute to private round tables, public lectures, workshops, conferences, podcasts and other convenings
• Establish a network of advisers and collaborators around the Desk, drawing on expertise from academia, government, regulators, industry and technology.
• Build relationships with universities, regulators, technology companies, research organisations and policy institutes across North America, the UK, Europe, India and internationally.
• Contribute to media commentary and public discussion where appropriate.
• Manage and mentor interns and junior researchers working on Desk projects.
• Set clear research tasks, review work and support the development of junior researchers.
• Work collaboratively with ICfS Fellows, researchers and operational colleagues.
• Contribute actively to the intellectual life of the Centre, including research meetings, workshops and cross-Desk projects.

AI adoption and building ICfS capability

• Help ICfS understand and adopt emerging AI technologies responsibly and effectively.
• Experiment with AI-enabled research methods, tools and workflows that can improve the quality, speed and effectiveness of research across the organisation.
• Support the development of appropriate internal approaches to the governance, evaluation and responsible use of AI.

Requirements

• Strong academic or professional training in artificial intelligence policy, science and technology policy, science and policy studies, public policy, technology governance, regulation or a closely related discipline.
• A PhD, relevant postgraduate research training, or equivalent professional and research experience would be highly desirable. Exceptional candidates with other demonstrably relevant experience will also be considered.
• A strong understanding of AI governance, public policy and emerging technologies.
• A serious intellectual interest in how technology affects institutions, democracy, markets and society.
• A strong interest in transnational and comparative research, particularly how different political, regulatory and institutional systems respond to emerging technologies.
• Excellent analytical and research skills, with the ability to identify important questions rather than simply summarise existing debates.
• Excellent written English and the ability to communicate technically complex ideas clearly and concisely.
• The ability to translate academic, technical and regulatory debates into practical policy analysis.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the confidence to engage constructively with academics, policymakers, regulators, business leaders, technologists and colleagues.
• Collaborative and intellectually generous, with an ability to draw effectively on the expertise of Senior Fellows and external advisers.
• Ability to manage multiple research priorities and deliver high-quality work to deadline.
• Willingness to undertake…