The Chatham House Digital Society Programme is inviting applications for a Research Associate position focused on the geopolitics, political economy and societal implications of emerging technologies. The opportunity is based in London, United Kingdom, and offers a full-time, permanent position for candidates with strong technical, research and policy skills.
The role provides an opportunity for an experienced researcher or emerging technology specialist to contribute to high-impact research examining how digital technologies are shaping governments, economies and societies. The successful candidate will work within a multidisciplinary environment connecting policy research, technology communities and multilateral institutions.
The position carries an annual salary of £38,000 and operates under a hybrid working arrangement, with employees expected to work from Chatham House’s London office at least two days per week.
Applications close on Monday, 7 September 2026, at 23:59 BST.
The Research Associate will join the Digital Society Programme, which investigates the geopolitics and political economy of emerging technology.
The programme focuses on the digital infrastructure required by states and companies to maintain agency in the 21st century. It also develops practical governance approaches for managing and scaling emerging technologies while engaging with multilateral forums and technology communities.
The programme serves as a bridge between policymakers, technology communities and international institutions.
For professionals interested in technology policy, digital governance, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, geopolitics and international affairs, the position offers an opportunity to contribute to research with direct policy relevance.
What Will the Research Associate Do?
The successful candidate will support the delivery of research projects and contribute to the programme’s broader policy and engagement activities.
Key responsibilities include:
- Supporting the delivery of high-impact research projects.
- Conducting policy-relevant research.
- Exploring innovative approaches to research using emerging technologies.
- Presenting technical research findings clearly and creatively to different audiences.
- Planning and coordinating events, including panels and scenario exercises.
- Contributing to fundraising activities and identifying new project opportunities.
The role therefore combines research, technology, communication, events and stakeholder engagement.
Candidates will need to be comfortable translating technical issues into accessible insights that can be understood by policymakers, researchers, technology professionals and other audiences.
Who Can Apply?
Chatham House is seeking candidates who have strong technical capabilities and a sophisticated understanding of emerging technologies and their implications for society and policymaking.
Applicants should demonstrate outstanding fluency in the use of emerging technologies as applied to policy research.
They should also have expertise in understanding the technical and societal implications of emerging technologies.
Beyond technical knowledge, successful candidates should be capable of managing multiple priorities while working collaboratively with colleagues and external stakeholders.
Experience supporting research proposals, events or stakeholder engagement will also be valuable.
Key Skills and Experience
The position is particularly suited to candidates who can combine technical knowledge with research and policy analysis.
Important capabilities include:
- Strong technical skills relating to emerging technologies.
- Knowledge of the societal implications of emerging technologies.
- Understanding of technology policy and governance.
- Excellent research and analytical abilities.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to communicate technical research to diverse audiences.
- Excellent organizational skills.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Problem-solving capabilities.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Collaborative working skills.
- Experience with research proposals, events or stakeholder engagement.
Candidates should be able to demonstrate how their technical and research experience can contribute to practical policy discussions around emerging technology.
Salary and Employment Benefits
The Research Associate position offers a salary of £38,000 per year.
The successful candidate will be appointed on a full-time, permanent contract.
Chatham House also offers a range of employee benefits. These include approximately 37 days of annual leave, incorporating public holidays and Chatham House closure days.
Other benefits include pension salary exchange, an employee assistance programme, parental leave and flexible working arrangements.
The organization describes the working environment as professional, engaging and intellectually stimulating.
Location and Working Arrangement
The position is based at St James’s Square in London.
This is a hybrid role, rather than a fully remote position. The successful candidate will be expected to work onsite at least two days per week, with additional flexibility required around events.
Applicants considering the opportunity should therefore be prepared to work in London and participate in in-person activities when required.
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
Emerging technologies are increasingly influencing international relations, economic systems, public policy and social structures. This has created growing demand for researchers who understand both the technical dimensions of technology and its wider societal and political consequences.
The Research Associate role provides an opportunity to work at the intersection of technology, geopolitics and public policy.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to research projects, engage with different audiences and help develop practical approaches to technology governance.
The position may be particularly relevant to professionals working in technology policy, digital governance, international relations, political economy, public policy, technology research or related areas.
Commitment to Equal Opportunity
Chatham House states that it is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. The organization encourages applications from people from all backgrounds and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics.
Candidates who require support or adjustments during the recruitment process can contact the organization’s HR team.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should review the full job description and submit their application through the Chatham House careers platform.
View the full Research Associate job description
The application deadline is Monday, 7 September 2026, at 23:59 BST.
Opportunity Summary
| Opportunity | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Chatham House |
| Position | Research Associate – Digital Society Programme |
| Department | Research |
| Location | London, United Kingdom |
| Work arrangement | Hybrid |
| Contract | Full-time, Permanent |
| Salary | £38,000 per year |
| Programme | Digital Society Programme |
| Focus | Emerging technology, geopolitics and political economy |
| Closing date | 7 September 2026 |
| Working onsite | At least 2 days per week |
Apply through the official Chatham House careers website: Chatham House Careers
