Researcher (AI Content) - 6m contract

• Start date: ASAP

• Contract: 6 months, open to full time or part time (3 days)

• Reporting to: Senior Product Researcher

• Visa sponsorship: Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. Applicants should have the right to work in the UK at the time of application.

• Background checks: Due to the nature of the work we do with global governments and partners, all employees need to pass background checks, verifying your identity, education (if relevant), work history, sanctions, criminal record, adverse financial history and right to work.

• You can expect to hear from us, no matter the outcome, by: 6th Feb

• Salary expectations: We aim for transparency on salary bands. If our range is misaligned with your expectations, we'd welcome an open conversation as early as possible.

We're looking for an early career researcher and writer who is equally comfortable with content creation and delivery, and who enjoys working externally with partners while thinking about where content can unlock longer-term opportunities. You will manage the discovery, development and commissioning of high-quality AI case studies from across the public sector, supporting the Product and Partnerships teams in developing an exciting new tool.

This is a hands-on role. You'll run an active outreach pipeline, manage high volumes of email and follow-up, and proactively source strong examples of how AI is being used in government. You'll engage directly with public sector organisations, content partners and other external stakeholders, building trusted relationships. Alongside this, you'll research emerging trends, shape content, and work with the Apolitical network to turn ideas into clear, high-quality case studies.

You'll be responsible for producing original content as well as securing re-publication rights for existing material - requiring persistence, good judgement and confident stakeholder management. You'll be attentive to where editorial collaboration supports partnership development, identifying opportunities to deepen relationships while maintaining strong editorial standards.

Working at the intersection of editorial, partnerships and product, this role is central to scaling Apolitical's "AI in government" offering. You'll collaborate closely with Product to ensure case studies support product goals - from discovery and usability to testing new formats - and reflect real-world public sector practice, contributing to both product development and Apolitical's wider partnership ambitions.

Coordination & Execution

• Own the end-to-end content workflow, from idea sourcing and pipeline tracking through to publication

• Put simple systems in place to track outreach, permissions, progress, and deadlines

• Work with Product and UX Research teams working on an AI tool, ensuring content reflects user needs and real-world use cases

• Support internal reporting by maintaining clear records of content output and performance

Content Research

• Identify AI use cases and case studies through desk research, scanning, proactive outreach to government partners and multilaterals (e.g. WHO), and internal insight-gathering

• Develop and deliver a focused AI content plan, balancing strategic priorities with what is realistically achievable within the contract timeframe

Content Creation & Commissioning

• Write clear, engaging, and well-structured AI case studies for a global public sector audience

• Commission, edit, and shape contributions from public servants, organisations and external experts, providing clear briefs, feedback, and deadlines

Outreach, Partnerships & Stakeholder Management

• Lead sustained outreach to public sector organisations, practitioners, and partners to source stories and secure republication agreements

• Manage a high volume of email communication, follow-ups, and contributor coordination with professionalism and persistence

• Build and maintain productive relationships that unlock new content and ongoing collaboration

• Strong research and writing skills, with experience translating complex or technical topics into accessible content

• High operational competence: comfortable managing inbox-heavy workflows, multiple stakeholders, and parallel workstreams

• Confident and professional communicator, particularly in written outreach and follow-up

• Resourceful and creative problem-solver who can identify opportunities, work around constraints, and keep things moving

• Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritise effectively

• Demonstrated interest in public sector innovation, AI, or digital transformation

• Comfortable working independently, taking initiative, and adapting as priorities evolve

• AI-fluent and comfortable using AI tools to support research and analysis

Don't meet every single expectation? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. Apolitical is dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

As part of your application, we'll review your CV and a writing sample. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to a 30-minute culture interview on Google Meet.

This conversation focuses on the core behaviours and skills we value at Apolitical, which are codified in our leadership principles. It's not just about whether you're a good fit for us, but also whether we're a good fit for you. We also leave time at the end of the call for your questions e.g. about how we work, what we value, or anything else you'd like to know.