Senior Researcher, AI Index (full-time, 6-month contract)

Fixed term contract, full time, Monday to Friday, with the flexibility to work remotely one day a week.

Who are we? The Observer’s promise is in the name. The Observer bears witness; the best of journalism being curious minds at work. It loves the arts and ideas, both for their own sake and because they can change lives. It’s proudly progressive, but has no party allegiance. It’s open to different arguments and its editorial independence is non‑negotiable. We are building a new Observer across print, audio and digital. We’re here to build journalism that lasts. At The Observer, our aim is to be proudly progressive and independent, with no party allegiance. We take the same approach to hiring—ensuring that no job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We’re building a workplace that is fair, curious and forward‑thinking, where people from all walks of life are genuinely supported to develop, contribute and succeed.

What’s the job? We are seeking an experienced researcher to work on a newly commissioned AI Index measuring the capability of cities globally, building on the approach and methodology established by The Observer’s Global AI Index, a comprehensive ranking that aims to make sense of artificial intelligence in 83 countries and benchmarks their ability to develop and deploy AI. This is a quick turnaround, large‑scale data project, with ambitions for it to be multi‑year. Your role will involve conducting quantitative and qualitative research on the development and use of AI in different cities, including AI research activity, policymaking and business adoption.

What’s my personal contribution? Your research and AI knowledge will be essential in collecting the data that will determine the final Index rankings, informing published editorial output derived from the findings, and creating the Index methodology – which builds on, but is distinct from – that of the Global AI Index.

What are my responsibilities & accountabilities?

• Serve as the team lead in project delivery from a technical standpoint, and be the AI‑subject matter expert on the project team.
• Serve as primary research lead for specific aspects of the AI landscape, including AI policymaking and business adoption of AI.
• Identify, collect and analyse detailed data from research papers, government strategies and other source material for measuring national AI capacity.
• Contribute to the development of new methods and metrics for accurately measuring city‑level AI capacity across various contexts, as well working with the team to respond to and resolve specific research questions.
• Find, liaise with, and cultivate relationships with AI experts, including policymakers, business leaders and technologists to gain insight into the AI landscape.
• Support our efforts in publishing and presenting the Index to the world, including preparing presentational material, and writing up research and analysis for a public audience.

Qualifications and Skills

• Good knowledge of key AI issues and themes, as well as general interest in current affairs, sustainability, technology, economics, business and other social forces shaping the world.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong organisational abilities, with a proven ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritise effectively, and meet deadlines.
• Experience (or interest in) working in a newsroom.
• Good statistical literacy, with the ability to understand quantitative data and draw accurate conclusions from statistical information.
• Basic technical data analysis and visualisation skills, including proficiency with spreadsheets.
• Strong attention to detail and meticulousness when conducting research.
• Positive and enthusiastic team player, open to ideas, proactive, and driven by a can‑do attitude.
• Self‑starter and problem solver.
• Confident in working independently and rolling your sleeves up, while also collaborating with others.

Salary & Benefits

• 30 days holiday + bank holidays
• Private healthcare
• Group income protection & life assurance
• Pension
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Interest‑free season ticket loan
• Free snacks and drinks in the newsroom
• Hybrid working (London newsroom + 1 day remote flexibility)

Our Process We aim to run our interview process at pace and with clarity at every stage, recognising how challenging it can be to balance alongside other commitments or interviews. The number of stages will vary depending on the nature and level of the role, but we see this as a two‑way process and hope you’ll enjoy the opportunity to meet a range of potential future colleagues.