Senior Policy Researcher in
interface's digital public sphere program

As a Senior Policy Researcher in our digital public sphere program, you will produce research and recommendations on EU platform regulation and related topics. Your analyses should benefit policymakers and other stakeholders who are looking to create or improve EU rules in this field. We are seeking candidates with expertise in online platform governance and the online advertising industry which is often connected to platforms’ functioning and business models. This is your opportunity to help analyze, discuss and shape the EU’s digital policies on online platforms and ad tech. 

Our work will focus on two major areas. One is the enforcement of the Digital Services Act (DSA). The success of this rulebook for online platforms will depend on consumer-friendly and rights-respecting oversight practices. To help achieve this, your actionable analyses and capacity-building measures will support researchers and regulators, for instance, regarding the upcoming data access and risk assessment systems as well as the governance model itself. The second strand of our work aims to help enhance consumer protection and privacy related to online advertising. The online ad industry is a crucial economic sector but is also linked to privacy breaches, anticompetitive behavior, fraud and discrimination. To better understand and alleviate possible risks related to online advertising, especially in the context of potential EU legislative action in related areas, you will consult with other experts and draw up and comment on policy proposals. 

interface is an independent research think tank that has consistently delivered cutting-edge policy advice on a diverse range of rapidly evolving topics, including cybersecurity, digital rights, platform governance and artificial intelligence. We actively engage with decision-makers at both the national and EU levels, ensuring 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. 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 lead for platform regulation and have support from a student assistant. 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. 

• Research, write and publish policy analyses and papers. 

• Design and conduct expert workshops and interviews. 

• Provide well-founded, nuanced expertise on matters related to platform governance and ad tech to policymakers and other stakeholders. 

• Expand and maintain a diverse international network of platform regulation and digital rights experts and stakeholders in governments, parliaments, administration, businesses, research communities and civil society. 

• Engage in discussions with policymakers and the public (e.g., through interviews, panels, guest contributions, lectures and public events). 

• Support fundraising efforts in collaboration with interface management and the program lead. 

• You are an experienced tech or tech policy professional with a strong interest in platform regulation and/or the online advertising industry. 

• You have knowledge of current debates in tech regulation and at the intersection of human/consumer rights and digital policy, both in Europe and internationally. Knowledge of DSA enforcement issues in EU member states such as Germany is an asset.

• You have knowledge of or can demonstrate a keen interest in the online advertising industry from a practical, legal and/or economic perspective (e.g., regarding tracking, privacy, consumer protection, cybersecurity or competition). 

• You have strong communication skills and the ability to explain complex issues to a broad audience of non-experts coupled with strong writing skills and a track record of publications or written reports in academia, journalism, politics or other analysis-based professional contexts. 

• You like to work in a team and enjoy developing and testing your ideas with people inside and outside your own organization. 

• Fluency in English at a C1 level is required.

• The successful applicant must be based or willing to relocate to an EU country (can be a national of any country). 

• We seek people with various types of academic and/or professional qualifications. The important part is to demonstrate strong knowledge in platform regulation, online advertising, data protection and/or economics. 

• A great opportunity to contribute to political and policy debates at the national and EU levels on topics that concern millions of people and key digital industries. 

• A high degree of personal responsibility, while being part of an expert team. 

• The option to work from anywhere in the EU: Candidates from any EU country are welcome to apply. 

• Flexible working hours. 

• Flexibility to work remotely or utilize our centrally located and accessible office space in Berlin. We cover travel expenses for all-team events. 

• Financial assistance to equip your remote office and a monthly mobile office allowance. 

• Competitive salary range of 55.000-60.000 EUR per year depending on experience. 

• Option to work abroad (away from your place of residence) for up to three months annually. 

• 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 and pets. 

• Annual competence 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 for 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 that are underrepresented in civil society organizations to join us. 

Application deadline is 6th of October, 2024. Please apply with a cover letter and a CV (without a photo) in one PDF file at https://www.interface-eu.org/jobs. The interviews will take place online. Madlen Schliephake (personal@interface-eu.org) will be happy to answer any questions you may have.