Policy Researcher AI and Labour Markets (m/f/d)

As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly transforms labour markets and society, we face urgent challenges in harnessing its benefits while mitigating its risks and inequalities. Well-informed decisions across sectors are essential to ensure an inclusive and fair transition to AI-driven economies, addressing complex issues at the intersection of technology, labour rights and social inclusion.

We are looking for a policy researcher to join our AI & Labour Markets programme at interface. Ideally, you will have multidisciplinary expertise in AI, labour markets, migration and/or gender and inclusion studies. Your role will be central to producing research and recommendations that benefit the relevant stakeholders involved in creating or improving EU legislation in this area.

You will help to build on the existing quantitative research of this programme—as discussed in the papers “Where is Europe’s AI workforce Coming From? Immigration, Emigration & Transborder Movement of AI Talent” and “AI’s Missing Link: The Gender Gap in the Talent Pool”—through qualitative interviews, surveys, focus groups, expert workshops, and case study research.  Experience with thematic analysis is an advantage.

interface is an independent research think tank that has consistently provided cutting-edge policy advice on a diverse range of rapidly evolving topics, including cybersecurity, digital rights, platform governance, and AI. We actively engage with decision-makers at both the national and EU levels, ensuring that our evidence-based recommendations meet the needs of policymakers and other stakeholders in a timely manner.

Join us and become part of a team of experts at the intersection of technology and policy. If you are successful, you will be offered an initial two-year contract with the possibility of permanent employment. We are looking to fill this role as soon as possible after selecting a candidate. The role can be either full-time (40 hours per week) or part-time (80–90 percent).

You will support the senior policy researcher in various tasks, including the following:

• Conducting qualitative research to complement our existing quantitative studies, helping to provide insights into the human aspects of AI development and adoption
• Supporting the design and delivery of expert workshops and interviews
• Contributing to the research, drafting, and editing of policy analyses and papers
• Contributing to the production of informed, nuanced expertise on AI, labour markets, and inclusion issues for relevant stakeholders
• Aiding in the expansion and maintenance of a diverse international network of AI and labour market experts and stakeholders
• Assisting in the preparation of materials for discussions with relevant stakeholders, which may include interviews, panels, guest contributions, lectures, and public events
• Contributing to fundraising efforts in collaboration with interface management and the senior policy researcher

Your individual responsibilities will include the following:

• Conducting literature reviews and summarising findings
• Organising and managing research data
• Drafting initial reports and sections of research papers
• Participating in team meetings and contributing ideas to ongoing projects

As you grow in the role, you may gradually take on more independent responsibilities under the guidance of the senior policy researcher.

We are looking for an individual with the following:

• Research experience in AI, labour markets, or gender and inclusion studies
• Familiarity with current AI debates and research, particularly at the intersection of technology, labour rights, and social inclusion in Europe and globally
• Experience and/or training in qualitative research methods (e.g. interviews, surveys, focus groups, case studies)
• Fluent in English (C1 level)
• Willingness to be based in an EU country (open to all nationalities)

The ideal candidate will also possess the following:

• Expertise in thematic analysis
• Diverse academic or professional backgrounds demonstrating strong knowledge of relevant fields
• Multidisciplinary expertise
• Quantitative research skills (desirable but not essential)
• A background in a range of disciplines and a deep understanding of AI, labour markets, gender studies, and/or social inclusion policy
• Project management experience (desirable but not essential)

• A great opportunity to contribute to political and policy debates at the national and EU levels on issues that affect millions of people and key digital industries.
• A high degree of personal responsibility as part of an expert team
• The opportunity to work from anywhere in the EU: Candidates from any EU country are welcome to apply.
• Flexible working hours
• Flexibility to work remotely or to use our centrally located and accessible office space in Berlin. We cover travel expenses for all team events.
• Financial assistance to set up your remote office and a monthly mobile office allowance
• Competitive salary range of 48.000–55.200 EUR per annum, depending on experience
• Opportunity to work abroad (away from your place of residence) for a limited period of time
• Generous annual leave entitlement of 30 days (plus an additional day off on 31 December) based on full-time employment
• Five optional care days per year to support family, friends, or pets
• Annual skill development meeting and salary adjustment
• Access to an annual training budget for professional and personal growth
• Up to three professional coaching sessions per year to support well-being at work
• Support from our diversity officer on matters concerning gender, diversity, and equality

We welcome applications from people regardless of age, ethnic origin and nationality, gender and gender identity, physical and mental ability, religion and belief, sexual orientation, and social background. We also encourage people from ethnic minorities and other groups underrepresented in civil society organisations to join us.

The deadline for applications is 24 November 2024. Please apply with a cover letter and CV (without a photo) combined in one  PDF file at https://www.interface-eu.org/jobs. The interviews will be conducted online. Helen Brand (personal@interface-eu.org) will be happy to answer any questions you may have.