"Research Assistant/Associate (Fixed Term)"

Applications are invited for a Research Assistant/Associate at the new Bennett School of Public Policy in the Faculty of Human, Social and Political Science (BSPP).

This is an exciting opportunity to join the new Bennett School of Public Policy (BSPP) at its inception. The BSPP will be part of the Faculty of Human, Social and Political Science. The BSPP has an ambitious growth plan including launching a new M.Phil in Digital Policy alongside an expanded M.Phil in Public Policy, and the development of a new PhD programme. It is led by its inaugural Director Professor Michael Kenny and Professor Diane Coyle, the Bennett Professor of Public Policy.

Applications are invited for a Research Assistant/Associate position in the Bennett Institute programme, the AI & Geopolitics Project (AIxGEO), directed by Verity Harding, provides rigorous, evidence-based alternatives to prevailing narratives of zero sum technological competition. This position offers an excellent opportunity for a researcher with a background in relevant disciplines and a keen interest in global AI collaboration, governance and the intersection of AI and geopolitics, working closely with the School's Research Director Professor Diane Coyle and AIxGEO Research Lead Dr Aleksei Turobov. This role combines rigorous academic inquiry with direct policy impact, providing evidence-based, data-driven alternatives to competition-focused approaches. The successful candidate will also represent the AIxGEO at external events and help to organise workshops and conferences with senior individuals across the AI and geopolitical field. Applications from candidates with backgrounds in any relevant disciplines, with experience in a variety of research methods, are invited.

The successful candidate will drive research across two interconnected domains. The first examines institutional evolution in global AI governance, investigating how emerging collaborative arrangements transcend the limitations of traditional multilateral frameworks while addressing the critical nexus between AI capabilities and cybersecurity, reconceptualising the security dilemma for an era of asymmetric threats, where sovereign technology policies and AI-powered threats fundamentally reshape alliance structures and power dynamics. The second track analyses the geoeconomics of AI through a non-zero-sum lens, revealing how resource dependencies in computational infrastructure, data, and talent create novel forms of interdependence that can be leveraged for mutual gain rather than destructive competition. They will actively engage in developing and maintaining partnerships with relevant stakeholders, including policymakers, international organizations, research institutes, and industry experts.

Candidates for the post of Research Associate should normally have a PhD (submitted or nearly submitted at the time of application) in a relevant field and with experience of the methods required for this project. They should provide evidence of potential for research and publication at the highest level, communication skills, and a good understanding of and interest in the policy process.

Salary Ranges: Research Associate: £37,694 -£46,049 (Grade 7). Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will initially be appointed as a Research Assistant (Grade 5, Point 38 - £34,610) moving to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon confirmation of your PhD award.

In order for applications to be considered applicants must upload: A covering letter explaining the reasons for your application and how your knowledge, skills and experience match the requirements of the role you are applying for, including how your expertise contributes to AIxGEO principles; A Curriculum Vitae (CV), to include full details of educational qualifications and academic experience, and a list of publications; A Research Statement with your perspective on the most promising direction for AI cooperation; A recent writing sample (maximum 10,000 words).

The closing date for applications is midnight (GMT) on 17th October 2025 and interviews are expected to take place shortly afterwards.

If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please contact Jane Renouf, recruitment@bennettschool.cam.ac.uk.