Chatham House is inviting applications for a Research Associate – Digital Society Programme, an exciting opportunity for professionals interested in emerging technologies, digital policy, geopolitics, political economy and technology governance.
The position is based in London, United Kingdom, within Chatham House’s Research Department and offers the successful candidate the opportunity to contribute to high-impact research examining how emerging technologies are shaping states, companies, societies and international affairs.
The role is particularly suited to candidates who combine strong research and analytical abilities with technical knowledge of emerging technologies and an interest in their wider political, economic and societal implications.
About the Chatham House Digital Society Programme
The Digital Society Programme at Chatham House examines the rapidly changing relationship between technology, politics and international affairs.
The programme focuses on the geopolitics and political economy of emerging technology, exploring how governments, businesses and other stakeholders can develop the digital infrastructure and governance systems necessary to maintain agency in an increasingly technology-driven world.
Its work goes beyond simply analysing technological developments. The programme also explores practical approaches to governing, scaling and managing emerging digital infrastructure.
An important aspect of the programme is its ability to connect different communities. It works across multilateral forums, technology communities, governments, companies, researchers and other stakeholders, helping to bridge the gap between technological developments and policy-making.
For a Research Associate, this creates an opportunity to work at the intersection of:
- Emerging technologies
- International relations
- Geopolitics
- Political economy
- Digital governance
- Technology policy
- Research and analysis
- Public policy
- Multilateral engagement
- Stakeholder engagement
What Will the Research Associate Do?
The successful candidate will support the delivery of research projects and contribute to the development of policy-relevant work within the Digital Society Programme.
The position combines research, technology, communication, event coordination and stakeholder engagement responsibilities, making it suitable for professionals who can operate across several areas.
1. Support High-Impact Research Projects
A major responsibility of the Research Associate will be supporting the delivery of research projects undertaken by the Digital Society Programme.
This will require the candidate to contribute to research activities that address contemporary questions surrounding emerging technologies and their implications for governments, societies, businesses and the international system.
The successful candidate may therefore be expected to:
- Conduct research and analysis.
- Support research project delivery.
- Contribute to evidence-based policy work.
- Investigate emerging technology trends.
- Examine the societal and political implications of technological developments.
- Help translate complex research into useful policy insights.
- Contribute to research outputs and project deliverables.
The role is therefore particularly relevant for applicants who enjoy combining technology, research and public policy.
2. Conduct Policy-Relevant Research
The position will involve conducting research that is not purely academic but is designed to contribute to real-world policy discussions.
The Research Associate will be expected to understand emerging technologies and assess their broader implications for society, governments and other stakeholders.
This could involve examining questions such as the following:
- How are emerging technologies changing international relations?
- What technological capabilities do states require to maintain strategic autonomy?
- What are the political and economic consequences of emerging digital infrastructure?
- How should governments and other stakeholders approach technology governance?
- What societal implications arise from rapid technological change?
- How can emerging technologies be responsibly scaled and managed?
The ability to move from technical information to clear, practical policy conclusions will therefore be important.
3. Use Emerging Technologies to Innovate Research Delivery
The position places particular emphasis on technical skills and emerging technologies.
The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate outstanding fluency in using emerging technologies as they relate to policy research.
This means applicants should be comfortable exploring how new technologies can improve the way research is conducted, analysed, communicated and delivered.
The role provides an opportunity for someone who understands not only emerging technologies themselves but also how those technologies can be applied to research and policy work.
4. Present Technical Findings Clearly
Research findings are only useful when they can be communicated effectively to the intended audience.
The Research Associate will therefore be expected to present technical research findings in ways that are clear, accessible and creative.
This responsibility requires the ability to communicate complex technological and policy issues to different audiences, potentially including:
- Policymakers
- Researchers
- Government officials
- Technology professionals
- International stakeholders
- Civil society
- Businesses
- Multilateral organisations
- General audiences interested in technology and global affairs
Candidates should therefore possess strong written, analytical and verbal communication abilities.
5. Plan and Coordinate Events
The Research Associate will also contribute to the organisation and delivery of events associated with the Digital Society Programme.
These may include:
- Expert panels
- Policy discussions
- Scenario exercises
- Stakeholder meetings
- Research-related events
- Other programme activities
This means the role is not limited to desk-based research. The successful candidate will also have opportunities to participate in activities that bring researchers, policymakers, technology experts and other stakeholders together.
Strong organisational and coordination skills will consequently be important.
6. Contribute to Fundraising and New Projects
Another important component of the position is supporting fundraising and the development of new project opportunities.
The Research Associate may contribute to activities associated with identifying, developing and supporting potential research projects.
Experience with research proposals, project development or stakeholder engagement can therefore be valuable for applicants seeking to demonstrate their suitability for the role.
Skills and Experience Chatham House Is Looking For
Chatham House is looking for a candidate who can combine technical expertise, research capability, policy understanding and excellent organisational skills.
Technical Knowledge of Emerging Technologies
Applicants should have strong technical skills and outstanding fluency in the application of emerging technologies to policy research.
This is one of the defining requirements of the role.
Candidates should be able to demonstrate that they understand emerging technologies and can consider their practical applications within research and policy environments.
Understanding of the Technical and Societal Implications of Technology
The successful applicant should possess expertise in both the technical and societal dimensions of emerging technologies.
This is important because the Digital Society Programme considers technology not only as a technical subject but also as an issue affecting politics, economics, societies and international relations.
A strong candidate should therefore be able to consider both:
- What a technology does technically, and
- What that technology means for society, governments, businesses and international affairs.
Ability to Manage Multiple Priorities
The Research Associate will likely work across different projects and programme activities.
Candidates should therefore demonstrate the ability to:
- Organise competing tasks.
- Meet deadlines.
- Prioritise effectively.
- Work on several projects simultaneously.
- Adapt to changing requirements.
- Maintain quality while handling multiple responsibilities.
Collaboration and Teamwork
The position requires someone who can work collaboratively with colleagues and external stakeholders.
Applicants should be comfortable contributing to team-based research and working with people from different professional and technical backgrounds.
Organisation and Attention to Detail
Strong organisational skills will be essential, particularly given the combination of research, events, stakeholder engagement and project responsibilities.
Attention to detail will also be important when conducting research, preparing outputs, coordinating events and supporting project development.
Problem-Solving Skills
The successful candidate should have strong problem-solving abilities and be capable of approaching complex research and technology-related questions systematically.
This is particularly important in a field where technological developments can change rapidly and where policy challenges may not have straightforward solutions.
Research Proposals, Events and Stakeholder Engagement
Experience supporting research proposals, events or stakeholder engagement will be relevant to the role.
Applicants should highlight practical examples demonstrating their ability to contribute to research projects, coordinate activities or engage effectively with relevant stakeholders.
Employment Details
The Research Associate position offers a full-time, permanent contract.
Key employment details include:
- Job title: Research Associate – Digital Society Programme
- Department: Research
- Organisation: Chatham House
- Location: St James’s Square, London
- Contract: Full-time and permanent
- Salary: £38,000 per year
- Working arrangement: Hybrid
- Office requirement: At least two days per week onsite
- Additional flexibility: Flexibility may be required around events
- Application deadline: Monday, 7 September 2026 at 23:59 BST
Applicants should ensure that they submit their applications before the stated deadline.
Employee Benefits
Chatham House offers a range of benefits alongside the advertised salary.
These include approximately 37 days of annual leave, incorporating public holidays and Chatham House closure days.
Other benefits include:
- Pension salary exchange
- Employee assistance programme
- Parental leave
- Flexible working
- Additional lifestyle-oriented employee benefits
The organisation describes the working environment as professional, engaging and intellectually stimulating.
Why This Opportunity Could Be Valuable for Your Career
The Research Associate position could be particularly valuable for professionals seeking to build a career at the intersection of technology, international affairs, public policy and research.
The role provides exposure to research questions concerning some of the most important technological developments shaping the contemporary world.
A successful candidate could gain experience in areas such as:
Emerging Technology Policy
The role provides an opportunity to examine how emerging technologies interact with government policy, international affairs and society.
Technology and Geopolitics
Because the Digital Society Programme focuses on the geopolitics of emerging technology, the position offers an opportunity to contribute to discussions about technology and global power.
Political Economy of Technology
The programme also investigates the political economy of emerging technologies, providing exposure to questions involving states, markets, companies and digital infrastructure.
Policy Research
The position provides hands-on experience in producing research intended to inform policy discussions rather than simply academic debate.
International Stakeholder Engagement
The programme’s work across multilateral forums and technology communities means that the successful candidate can potentially gain valuable experience engaging with diverse stakeholders.
Research Communication
The ability to translate technical research into clear and creative outputs is increasingly valuable across government, international organisations, think tanks, academia and the private sector.
How Applicants Can Strengthen Their Applications
Candidates should ensure that their application directly demonstrates how their background matches the requirements of the Research Associate position.
Rather than simply listing qualifications, applicants can strengthen their application by providing evidence of relevant experience.
For example, candidates may wish to demonstrate the following:
- Experience with emerging technologies – Explain which technologies you have worked with or researched and how you applied them.
- Technology-policy expertise – Show how you have examined the implications of technology for governments, society, businesses or international affairs.
- Research experience – Provide examples of research projects, policy analysis, reports, publications or other relevant outputs.
- Communication skills – Demonstrate your ability to explain complex technical issues to non-technical audiences.
- Event coordination – Highlight experience organising conferences, panels, workshops, scenario exercises or stakeholder meetings.
- Stakeholder engagement – Provide examples of working with policymakers, researchers, technology professionals, institutions or other stakeholders.
- Project management – Show how you have managed competing deadlines, responsibilities and priorities.
- Research proposals and fundraising—If applicable, highlight experience supporting proposals, developing project concepts or contributing to fundraising activities.
- Problem-solving – Use practical examples to demonstrate how you addressed complex challenges.
- Innovation – Explain how you have used emerging technologies or innovative approaches to improve research, analysis or communication.
Who Can Apply?
The vacancy states that Chatham House is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from people from all backgrounds.
The organisation states that it values diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics.
The vacancy does not specify a particular race, ethnicity or continent as an eligibility restriction, meaning the advertisement is open to candidates from all backgrounds rather than being restricted to a particular racial group or continent.
However, applicants should note that this is a London-based hybrid position, with the successful candidate expected to work onsite at the London office at least two days each week, with additional flexibility required around events.
The advertisement provided does not specify a particular nationality requirement or explicitly state that applicants from a particular country are eligible or ineligible. Applicants should therefore check the full vacancy information and ensure that they meet any applicable UK employment or work-authorisation requirements before applying.
Qualifications and Professional Profile
The ideal applicant is someone with a combination of:
- Strong technical skills.
- Excellent knowledge of emerging technologies.
- Understanding of the societal implications of emerging technology.
- Understanding of technology-related policy issues.
- Strong research and analytical capabilities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organisational abilities.
- Attention to detail.
- Problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Ability to work collaboratively.
- Experience supporting research projects, proposals, events or stakeholder engagement.
Candidates whose professional backgrounds combine technology, research, international affairs, public policy, digital governance, political economy or related areas may find the opportunity particularly relevant, provided they can demonstrate the technical and research capabilities required by the vacancy.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Chatham House Research Associate – Digital Society Programme position is:
Monday, 7 September 2026, at 23:59 BST.
Applicants are encouraged to complete their applications well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical or submission problems.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should review the complete vacancy information and submit their application through the official Chatham House careers platform.
Applicants should also review the full job description before applying to ensure that they understand the complete requirements, responsibilities and application process.
Visit HERE for more information about the Chatham House Research Associate – Digital Society Programme.
Conclusion
The Chatham House Research Associate – Digital Society Programme position is a strong opportunity for professionals interested in the rapidly evolving relationship between emerging technology, geopolitics, public policy and society.
With a £38,000 annual salary, a full-time permanent contract, hybrid working in London and a comprehensive benefits package, the position offers an opportunity to contribute to high-impact research while working within an internationally recognised research environment.
The successful candidate will be expected to go beyond conventional research by combining technical understanding with policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, event coordination and effective communication. The role is particularly relevant to professionals who can understand emerging technologies while also analysing their wider political, economic and societal consequences.
Candidates should pay close attention to the technical and research requirements and use their applications to demonstrate concrete examples of their experience, rather than relying solely on general statements about their skills.
With applications closing on 7 September 2026 at 23:59 BST, eligible and interested professionals should review the complete vacancy and submit their applications before the deadline.
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