Associate, Frontier Technology in Manchester

Fitch Tech and Data is looking for an Associate, Frontier Technology to help accelerate how we discover, evaluate, and adopt transformative technologies. In this role, you’ll support the team’s emerging technology “radar,” contribute to rapid trials, and help translate technical findings into clear, actionable insights for stakeholders across Fitch. You’ll be equal parts technologist, researcher, and communicator—curious about what’s next, comfortable learning fast, and motivated to turn new technology into practical enterprise value.

What You’ll Help Build

• Technology Radar: Support horizon scanning across AI/ML, quantum, blockchain, knowledge graphs, AR/VR, and more. Help track signals, summarise trends, and contribute to written assessments and internal updates.
• Hot‑Takes / Quick Trials: Assist with quick trials and hands‑on evaluations of new tools, models, platforms, and techniques—capturing findings and recommendations.
• Communications Hub: Help produce demo‑day content, playbooks, short guides, and knowledge‑sharing materials that make emerging tech accessible to a broad audience.
• External Ecosystem: Support research on vendors, startups, open‑source projects, and academic work; help maintain a view of the ecosystem and key developments.
• Knowledge Sharing: Contribute to presentations, internal posts, and demos that share learnings and encourage adoption.

What You’ll Do

• Conduct research and synthesise emerging tech updates into concise briefs (what it is, why it matters, what to do next).
• Build small prototypes, proofs of concept, and technical experiments.
• Assist in planning and running demos, lightning talks, and internal briefings.
• Partner with teams across Tech & Data and the business to understand needs and identify where emerging tech may help.
• Document results and lessons learned from trials, including risks, limitations, and readiness considerations.
• Operate effectively in ambiguity—prioritising work, iterating quickly, and learning as you go.

Who You Are

• You’re technically curious and eager to learn by doing; you can move from reading about a new capability to testing it quickly.
• You can communicate clearly—turning complex technical concepts into understandable summaries.
• You have strong judgment for separating hype from practical value, and you’re comfortable asking good questions.
• You collaborate well across teams and can work independently on defined problem statements.

Qualifications

• 2–5 years experience in technology, engineering, data, or applied research roles (or equivalent experience).
• Hands‑on exposure to AI/ML concepts and modern developer tooling; familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS/Azure/GCP) preferred.
• Experience building small prototypes (e.g., Python, notebooks, APIs, lightweight apps) and documenting outcomes.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Interest in emerging technologies (AI/ML, blockchain, knowledge graphs, quantum computing, AR/VR) and keeping up with the ecosystem.

Why Fitch?

At Fitch Group, the combined power of our global perspectives is what differentiates us. Our global network of colleagues comes together to accomplish things greater than they ever could alone. Every team member is essential to our business, and each perspective is critical to our success. We embrace a diverse culture that encourages a free exchange of ideas, guaranteeing your voice will be heard and your work will have an impact, regardless of seniority. We are building incredible things at Fitch, and we invite you to join us on our journey.