Research and Project Lead

Portulans Institute seeks an experienced researcher and project manager to lead the research, coordination and delivery of the thematic chapter of a flagship global report produced by the Institute.

The research examines how countries are preparing their work forces, education systems and institutions for AI-driven change, with particular attention to skills, workforce transitions and talent resilience. It draws on interviews with senior policymakers and practitioners, country contributions and comparative policy research.

Working closely with Portulans Institute’s leadership and the report’s senior editors, the successful candidate will combine substantial analytical and writing responsibilities with day-to-day ownership of project management
. This includes organizing the work, coordinating contributors, securing editorial decisions and keeping delivery on schedule.

We seek a self-motivated colleague who can contribute as an intellectual partner while confidently managing an international collaboration involving busy senior researchers and external contributors.

• Develop and maintain an integrated workplan covering research, interviews, drafting, editorial review and production, with clear responsibilities, milestones and deadlines.
• Serve as the principal coordination contact for senior editors, researchers, country contributors and relevant production staff.
• Organize focused project meetings, prepare agendas and decision points, document agreed actions and follow through on commitments.
• Proactively coordinate with senior editors: anticipate the input required, propose priorities, obtain timely feedback and keep reviews and decisions moving.
• Track progress across contributors, identify delays and dependencies, recommend solutions and elevate unresolved issues promptly to Portulans Institute’s leadership.
• Provide concise, regular progress updates covering completed work, upcoming deadlines, outstanding decisions and delivery risks.
• Coordinate with the data, design and communications teams to ensure timely submission of publication-ready materials and a complete handover.

• Review interviews, research materials and country contributions, identifying evidence gaps and priorities.
• Develop and apply a consistent framework for comparing national approaches to AI, skills, workforce transitions and institutional adaptation.
• Conduct targeted literature and policy research, verify claims and distinguish policy intentions from evidence of implementation and results.
• Draft and revise country analyses, comparative findings and thematic chapter material.
• Manage the consolidation of editorial feedback, maintain coherent drafts and coordinate contributor reviews and approvals.

We welcome applicants with backgrounds in public policy, labor markets, education and skills, innovation, organizational studies or closely related fields.
PhD holders and postdoctoral researchers with relevant expertise are particularly encouraged to apply.

Strong candidates will demonstrate:

• Substantial applied research experience, typically five or more years, including responsibility for delivering a significant report or comparable publication.
• Proven project management experience, including…