Call for Applications: Research and Project Lead: AI, Skills and the Future of Work
Organization: Portulans Institute
Appointment: Full-time, fixed-term, November 1, 2026–March 15, 2027
Location: Remote; applications welcome worldwide. Regular availability for collaboration across US Eastern and European working hours is required. Working from Portulans Institute’s Washington, DC office is optional for locally based candidates.
Priority application deadline: October 18, 2026
Portulans Institute seeks an experienced researcher and project manager to lead the research, coordination and delivery of the thematic chapter of a flagship global report produced by the Institute.
The research examines how countries are preparing their workforces, education systems and institutions for AI-driven change, with particular attention to skills, workforce transitions and talent resilience. It draws on interviews with senior policymakers and practitioners, country contributions and comparative policy research.
Working closely with Portulans Institute’s leadership and the report’s senior editors, the successful candidate will combine substantial analytical and writing responsibilities with day-to-day ownership of project management. This includes organizing the work, coordinating contributors, securing editorial decisions and keeping delivery on schedule.
We seek a self-motivated colleague who can contribute as an intellectual partner while confidently managing an international collaboration involving busy senior researchers and external contributors.
Project management responsibilities

• Develop and maintain an integrated workplan covering research, interviews, drafting, editorial review and production, with clear responsibilities, milestones and deadlines.
• Serve as the principal coordination contact for senior editors, researchers, country contributors and relevant production staff.
• Organize focused project meetings, prepare agendas and decision points, document agreed actions and follow through on commitments.
• Proactively coordinate with senior editors: anticipate the input required, propose priorities, obtain timely feedback and keep reviews and decisions moving.
• Track progress across contributors, identify delays and dependencies, recommend solutions and escalate unresolved issues promptly to Portulans Institute’s leadership.
• Provide concise, regular progress updates covering completed work, upcoming deadlines, outstanding decisions and delivery risks.
• Coordinate with the data, design and communications teams to ensure timely submission of publication-ready materials and a complete handover.

Research and editorial responsibilities

• Review interviews, research materials and country contributions, identifying evidence gaps and priorities.
• Develop and apply a consistent framework for comparing national approaches to AI, skills, workforce transitions and institutional adaptation.
• Conduct targeted literature and policy research, verify claims and distinguish policy intentions from evidence of implementation and results.
• Draft and revise country analyses, comparative findings and thematic chapter material.
• Manage the consolidation of editorial feedback, maintain coherent drafts and coordinate contributor reviews and approvals.

Candidate profile
We welcome applicants with backgrounds in public policy, labor markets, education and skills, innovation, organizational studies or closely related fields. PhD holders and postdoctoral researchers with relevant expertise are particularly encouraged to apply.
Strong candidates will demonstrate:

• Substantial applied research experience, typically five or more years, including responsibility for delivering a significant report or comparable publication.
• Proven project management experience, including coordinating multiple contributors and managing research and publication deadlines.
• The ability to work independently, establish priorities and sustain progress without continuous direction.
• Confidence and diplomacy in managing commitments and obtaining decisions from senior academics, policymakers and institutional partners.
• Knowledge of AI’s implications for employment, skills or workforce development.
• Strong qualitative and comparative research skills, together with quantitative literacy.
• Excellent analytical writing, editing and professional communication in English.
• A relevant postgraduate qualification or equivalent professional research experience.

Experience with international research collaborations and publications for policy audiences is particularly valuable.
Applicants should be available for the full appointment and able to maintain regular working-hour overlap with collaborators in US Eastern and European time zones. Engagement arrangements will be agreed according to the selected candidate’s location.
How to apply
Please send the following to administrator@portulansinstitute.org, using the subject line “Research and Project Lead — Application”:

• Your CV.
• A statement of no more than 400 words explaining your relevant expertise and describing a research project you personally managed through completion, including your analytical contribution and coordination responsibilities.
• One relevant writing sample, identifying your individual contribution.
• Your earliest start date, location, time zone and availability throughout the appointment.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority consideration for applications received by October 18, 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview and a brief paid exercise assessing research judgment and project management. References will be requested at the final stage.
We aim to complete selection by October 23, 2026, for a November 1 start. Early applications are encouraged.
Portulans Institute welcomes applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds.
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