(Senior) Policy Researcher in the Global Chip Dynamics Programme (m/f/d))
We are seeking candidates with expertise in analysing complex technology ecosystems and their ecological impact, preferably with dedicated experience in the chip ecosystem.
As a Policy or Senior Policy Researcher in our Global Chip Dynamics Programme, you will produce research and recommendations on strengthening Europe’s role in the global semiconductor value chain with a focus on becoming more sustainable. Your analyses should benefit policymakers and other stakeholders who are looking to create synergies between technological competitiveness and sustainable chip production. Our aim is to ensure Europe’s continued relevance and indispensability in this foundational industry by adopting a holistic approach that prioritizes effective, long-term policymaking in the public interest.
In the last years we focused on Europe’s technological competitiveness and the impact of geopolitical tensions. We provided analyses that support the development of semiconductor strategies that are adaptive and resilient to the complexities of today’s geopolitical landscape. But semiconductors also play a double-edged role in the green transition. They are pivotal for a variety of climate-neutral technologies but also have a high carbon and environmental footprint regarding their production and operation. Thus, last year, we successfully introduced a second workstream on advancing sustainability in semiconductors. In our work, we are combining and structuring knowledge from both a technological and a sustainability standpoint to support policymakers, industry stakeholders, civil society organizations and academia in finding effective measures that are aligned with Europe’s climate and environmental goals, while still fostering Europe’s technological prowess. Due to the transnationally interdependent nature of the value chain, our research spans the globe and attempts to strengthen international cooperation on this pressing matter.
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 global chip dynamics. 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.
Position Description (your responsibilities)
- Apply quantitative or qualitative research methods to understand, evaluate and quantify current challenges and solutions in advancing sustainable chip production.
- Collect and process quantitative data (basic knowledge of Excel is sufficient).
- Research, write and publish policy analyses and papers.
- Design and conduct expert workshops and interviews.
- Provide well-founded, nuanced expertise on matters related to the semiconductor value chain, EU and its Member States chip strategies and the ecological footprint of chip production to policymakers and other stakeholders.
- Expand and maintain a diverse international network of industrial policy, foreign policy, environmental policy, climate policy and semiconductor 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).
- Strategic development and planning of future topics in cooperation with the Senior Policy Researcher.
- Support fundraising efforts in collaboration with interface’s management and the Senior Policy Researcher.
Your Profile
- You are an experienced tech or tech policy professional with a strong interest in the semiconductor ecosystem and the intersection of sustainability and digitization.
- You have knowledge of current debates about chips as a strategic technology and understand its geopolitical or sustainability implications.
- 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.
- We seek people with various types of academic and/or professional qualifications. The important part is to demonstrate strong knowledge about the semiconductor industry and its policy landscape or the ecological footprint of digitation in general and chips specifically.
As a Senior Policy Researcher, you additionally have
- In-depth knowledge and professional experience in the chip industry and/or sustainable technology debates including practical, legal and economic perspectives.
- A strong track record of publishing several academic or policy papers that overlap with the programmatic focus.
We offer
- A great opportunity to contribute innovative ideas in dynamic fields such as semiconductors to political and policy debates at the national and EU levels.
- A high degree of personal responsibility, while being part of an expert team.
- The option to be employed in any EU country. Thus, candidates from any EU country are welcome to apply.
- Flexible working hours.
- Flexibility to work remotely in the country of employment.
- Option to utilize our centrally located and accessible office space in Berlin.
- Payment of travel expenses for all-team events.
- Financial assistance to equip your remote office and a monthly mobile office allowance.
- Upon agreement, option to work abroad (away from your place of residence).
- Generous annual leave entitlement plus an additional day off on 31 December.
- 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.
- For an employment in Germany, Belgium, Austria or France and depending on experience, we offer a competitive salary range of
- 44.000-52.000 EUR p.a. for a Policy Researcher and
- 48.000-59.000 EUR p.a. for a Senior Policy Researcher.
- Competitive salaries for other countries would have to be determined.
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 your professional experiences focused on the question “Why are you interested in the intersection of semiconductors and sustainability?”, a CV (without photo) and relevant certificates in one PDF file at https://www.interface-eu.org/jobs. Please name the file in the following format: Date (Year.month.day)_Application_Name. The interviews will take place digitally.
Application deadline is 18th of February 2025. Helen Brand (personal@interface-eu.org) will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Career level
ProfessionalWorking time
Full time and part timeLocation
Remote workEmployment type
Permanent employmentinterface 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.