Policy Researcher in interfaces AI Systems, Markets & Governance Programme (m/f/d)

Job opening: Policy Researcher in interface’s AI Systems, Markets & Governance Programme (m/f/d) 

We are seeking candidates with strong analytical skills and expertise in researching the political economy of AI or evaluating advanced AI systems. 

As a Policy Researcher in our AI Systems, Markets & Governance Programme, you will produce research and recommendations on strengthening Europe’s role in the global AI landscape. AI is reshaping our societies and economies at unprecedented speed. Policymakers face a fundamental challenge: designing governance that manages real risks while preserving competitive advantage in a global race for AI leadership. Your research provides the empirical foundation for these decisions through market analysis, technical evaluation, and comparative policy assessment. 

Understanding AI’s impact requires looking at the full picture: not just what AI can do, but how companies compete to build it, how money flows into the industry, and how different policy choices shape these dynamics. Interface's AI Systems, Markets & Governance Programme examines how technical capabilities, market forces, and governance frameworks interact to influence AI development in Europe and globally. We aim to build systematic knowledge of the mechanisms linking AI capabilities, industry structure, and policy outcomes – and to support evidence-based policymaking that keeps the public interest in mind.

Join us and become part of a team of experts at the intersection of technology and policy. The successful candidate will initially be offered a two-year contract, with the opportunity for permanent employment thereafter. The candidate will work closely with interface’s Senior Policy Researcher in AI Systems, Markets & Governance. We are looking to fill the role as soon as possible after the selection of a candidate. The role can accommodate either full-time (40 hours per week) or part-time (80-90%) work. 

• Applies qualitative and quantitative methods, collects and processes data (e.g., R, Python) and documents sources and methods transparently. 
• Supports publications through drafting, fact-checking, source management and incorporating review feedback in close coordination with the Senior Policy Researcher. 
• Plans and supports workshops, briefings and interviews. 
• Builds and maintains a relevant network within the programme and contributes to stakeholder engagement. 
• Contributes to the strategic development and planning of future topics together with the Senior Policy Researcher. 
• Supports fundraising efforts in collaboration with interface’s management and the Senior Policy Researcher 

• You are a researcher or professional with demonstrated experience at the intersection of AI's technical capabilities, markets, and policy frameworks. 
• You have knowledge of current debates and research on AI and understand its technological foundations and economic impacts.  
• You possess strong analytical thinking skills, ideally with experience in supporting the design and implementation of qualitative and quantitative research projects. You have knowledge in research methodology such as (but not limited to) expert interviews, survey research, applied statistics, and data analysis.  
• You are comfortable supporting the production of diverse research outputs - from policy briefs and public-facing explainers to academic papers - and engaging stakeholders through workshops and presentations. 
• You thrive in collaborative environments, enjoy developing ideas with diverse stakeholders and can communicate findings effectively to both technical and policy audiences. 
• We are explicitly looking for candidates with a background in political economy, innovation economics, quantitative social science, applied statistics, or computer science and ML. If your profile does not fit these but you have relevant experience, we still encourage you to apply.  
• Fluency in English and very good German language skills (minimum level B2) are required.  
• The successful applicant must be based in Germany.

• a great opportunity to contribute innovative ideas in dynamic fields such as AI and actively shape political and policy debates at both national and EU levels. 
• A strong learning environment: close collaboration with leading experts on some of the most relevant technological and political challenges of our time. 
• A competitive annual gross salary ranging from €45.600 to €52.800 per annum, depending on experience. 
• Flexible working arrangements, including the option to work remotely within Germany and access to our centrally located office at Publix – Berlin’s leading co-working space for public-interest journalism. 
• A supportive and inclusive working culture that values personal responsibility, diversity, and creative freedom, with flat hierarchies and ample room to develop and pursue your own ideas. 
• A generous annual leave allowance plus an additional day off on December 31. 
• Five additional paid care days per year to support family members, close relations, or pets. 
• An annual competence development meeting, including the possibility of salary adjustment. 
• Access to an annual training budget to support professional and personal development. 
• Up to three professional coaching sessions per year to promote well-being and healthy collaboration at work. 
• Support from our Diversity Officer on matters related to gender equality, diversity, and inclusion. 
• Regular team events at our Berlin headquarters, with travel expenses covered. 

We welcome applications from individuals of all ages, ethnic origins, nationalities, genders, gender identities, physical abilities, cognitive diversity, religions, beliefs, sexual orientations, and social backgrounds. We strongly encourage candidates from ethnic minorities and other underrepresented groups in civil society organizations to apply and bring their unique perspectives to our team.

Please apply with a short, maximal one page cover letter that states your motivation and describes relevant professional experiences, a CV (without photo) and relevant certificates in one PDF file. The interviews will take place digitally.? 

Application deadline is 8th of March 2026. Madlen Schliephake (hr@interface-eu.org) will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

interface is an independent expert organisation specialising in information technology and public policy. Our goal is to ensure that political decision-makers have the expertise and ideas necessary to create policies and make decisions that put the public interest first. We provide analysis and ideas to decision-makers and the public across Europe on issues such as artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, platform oversight, global chip dynamics and government surveillance. To produce analysis and advice that matters to policymakers, our experts combine a deep understanding of technology with practical experience of how government processes work.