Research Fellow, Global Tech Policy & AI Regulation

Location: Remote
Experience: Demonstrated interest in AI policy, emerging technologies, global digital transformation; experience contributing to research publications, policy briefs, or analytical reports
Compensation: Competitive and negotiable

Portulans Institute

The Portulans Institute is an independent, non-profit and non-partisan research and education organisation headquartered in Washington, DC. Established in 2019, it brings together thought leadership, innovation, and data-driven research to explore how people, technology, and innovation can work together for sustainable and inclusive growth. Its work spans four focus areas — technology competitiveness, innovation readiness, global talent, and the societal impact of networks.

Through initiatives like the Network Readiness Index, the Institute provides governments, businesses, and civil society with insights to navigate the opportunities and challenges of our digital age. Its name is inspired by the “portolan” maps of early explorers — guides that, while incomplete, offered direction in uncharted waters. In the same spirit, Portulans serves as a modern compass in a fast-changing world, helping decision-makers chart a course with clarity, integrity, and vision.

Role

Portulans Institute is seeking a motivated Research Fellow to support the development of a flagship report on digital transformation, technology governance, and competitiveness, with a strong focus on how governments worldwide are responding to the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) as a policy and regulatory challenge.

This is a unique opportunity for a policy-oriented researcher interested in AI governance, international regulatory trends, and the digital economy. The Fellow will work closely with the editorial and data teams, contributing both research and analysis to shape global policy conversations.

Duration: September 2025 – March 2026 

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on national and regional approaches to AI policy, digital governance, and regulatory innovation.
• Track developments in international AI governance frameworks, including national strategies, cross-border cooperation, and institutional models.
• Analyse case studies of AI policies in various economies and/or regions.
• Identify and synthesise key trends showing how regulatory choices shape competitiveness in the digital age.
• Contribute to writing analytical sections of the report, including insights, country spotlights, and thematic briefs.

Requirements

• Master’s degree or advanced graduate studies in public policy, international relations, law, economics, or related fields, with a focus on technology or digital governance.
• Strong interest in AI policy, emerging technologies, and global digital transformation.
• Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills, with the ability to communicate complex policy issues for a global audience.
• Experience contributing to research publications, policy briefs, or analytical reports.
• Familiarity with global institutions, regulatory models, and trends in tech governance (e.g., EU AI Act, US innovation frameworks).
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, remote team environment.

Preferred

• Understanding of global digital indicators, indices, or benchmarking frameworks.
• Proficiency with data visualisation tools or qualitative research methods.

Benefits

• Flexible remote/hybrid work options for better work–life balance
• Competitive, negotiable compensation
• Chance to work on high-impact, global AI policy research
• Professional growth and learning opportunities
• Collaborative, diverse, and inclusive team culture
• Access to global policy and innovation networks
• Co-authorship and publication opportunities
• Supportive, trust-based, and mission-driven environment

Apply

• Send your CV, brief cover letter including: availability, compensation expectations, and relevant experience.
• A writing sample on AI regulation or related topics (optional)
• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis; early applications are encouraged.

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