THE CENTRE FOR EMERGING TECHNOLOGY AND SECURITY (CETaS)
The Centre's mission is to strengthen UK security through pioneering research and insights on emerging technologies.
We are a team of researchers, technologists, former policymakers and practitioners with multidisciplinary expertise in fields such as artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, criminology, law and ethics.
We help to protect the UK by:
1. Enabling innovation - Advising the national security community on the effective and responsible use of AI capabilities
2. Assessing global threats and opportunities - Such as insights on geopolitical competition or threats from AI-enabled disinformation
3. Shaping policy - Such as understanding public attitudes, developing frameworks, or advising on legislative changes.The successful candidate will work across a range of collaborative research projects relating to national security and technology policy, reporting to a CETaS Senior Research Associate.
ROLE PURPOSE
We are seeking to appoint a Research Associate to work within CETaS. The successful candidate will work across a range of research projects relating to emerging technology and national security. The role will involve engaging with stakeholders across the UK government, academia and the private sector, providing experience of relationship building with senior national security decision-makers. The candidate will gain experience in designing and delivering high-quality mixed-methods research for an external audience, contributing directly to high-profile public research reports and will have the opportunity to represent the Turing at various stakeholder engagement activities, such as workshops, conferences and other events.
The successful candidate will be a highly motivated, inquisitive and collaborative researcher, who will work closely with researchers from CETaS and other research organisations. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record in delivering research in the field of emerging technology and security. They will have experience of engaging with key decision-makers, and synthesising complex material in an accessible format for a non-expert policy audience.
While the position is based in our London office at the British Library, we offer flexible working arrangements with regard to hybrid working (working a blend of in-person vs remotely). The position is available full-time, but we are open to those seeking a four-day arrangement (80% FTE).
Eligibility for Security Check (SC) clearance is a requirement for this role. Eligibility criteria and further information on the process can be found on the UK Government security vetting website.
HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT
The post holder will work closely with the CETaS team to:
- Develop, deliver and present high-quality academic research on topics related to emerging technology and national security
- Articulate the findings and implications of this research to a non-expert policy audience, through various channels, both written and verbal
- Review and quality control written outputs produced by other researchers, both at the Turing and externally
- Co-organise CETaS events, such as workshops and conferences, to inform and showcase research findings
- Support the work of policymakers, regulators and others by providing advice, attending workshops and giving presentations
- Support with building a community of policymakers, academics and private sector stakeholders focussed on emerging technology and national security policy
- Contribute to identifying and securing new research collaborations or funding opportunities
- Strong experience of technology and security research, preferably in a policy context. This may have been gained in the public or private sector.
- In-depth understanding of academic research methodologies, and direct experience of applying research methods in a professional research project.
- A degree-level qualification in an area related to security, defence, criminology, technology or a related discipline – or equivalent professional experience.
- A developing track record in producing high quality academic publications or policy reports. Ability to write research reports and papers in styles accessible to both academic and lay audiences.
- Good effective communication (oral and written) and the ability to communicate complex information in an accessible format for a non-expert audience.
- Ability to collaborate effectively, including across disciplinary and organisational boundaries.
- The ability to obtain a UK Security Clearance (SC minimum) once in post.
- Experience of data analysis, statistical analysis, or other quantitative research skills is desirable but not essential.
- A strong working understanding of the machinery of government and policymaking processes is desirable.
Please see the job description for a full breakdown of the role and person specification.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
If you are interested in this opportunity, please click the apply button below. You will need to register on the applicant portal and complete the application form including your CV and covering letter. If you have questions about the role or would like to apply using a different format, please email [email protected].
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: THURSDAY 20 AUGUST 2026 AT 23:59 (LONDON, UK BST)
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early or to interview suitable candidates before the closing date if enough applications are received.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
This full-time post is offered on a fixed term basis for 1 year, with the possibility of extension following the initial term. The annual salary range is £45,000-50,000 plus excellent benefits, including flexible working and family friendly policies. https://www.turing.ac.uk/work-turing/why-work-turing/employee-benefits
Applicants must be based in the UK and be able to travel to the Turing offices in London when required.
SECURITY CLEARANCE
The successful candidate may be required to undergo a pre-screening check prior to an offer being made. This check will be carried out by HMG Defence and Security Partners. Please be advised by submitting your application you are consenting to this check, and your personal details (full name, date of birth and home address) to be passed onto our HMG Defence and Security Partners to carry out this check.
Many roles in the Defence and National Security Programme require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK or a NATO country depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks, amongst other factors. These roles are subject to security restrictions by Turing’s partners. The restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, your foreign connections, and your place of birth can restrict your eligibility to perform the role.
Eligibility criteria and further information on the process can be found on the UK Government security vetting website. Applicants should check whether they are eligible to apply for SC clearance before applying to this role.
Please note all offers of employment are subject to obtaining and retaining the right to work in the UK and satisfactory pre-employment security screening which includes a DBS Check.
Full details on the pre-employment screening process can be requested from [email protected].
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
We value diversity of background, experience, and perspective, and are proud to be an inclusive employer. We warmly encourage applications from all backgrounds, particularly from groups currently under-represented in our sector. If you feel passionate about this role but don’t meet every single requirement, please apply – we recognise that great candidates may bring strengths beyond the criteria listed.
We are committed to making sure our recruitment process is accessible and inclusive. This includes making reasonable adjustments for candidates who have a disability or long-term condition. Please contact us at [email protected] to advise us how we can assist you.
Please note all offers of employment are subject to obtaining and retaining the right to work in the UK and satisfactory pre-employment security screening which includes a DBS Check. Full details on the pre-employment screening process can be requested from [email protected].