Technical Lead, AI Lab

Who we are

We are an organisation that exists to drive progress. That's the “red thread” that connects everyone at The Economist Group (TEG). Our businesses share a devotion to innovation, independence and rigour in their fields of expertise. We empower people to understand and tackle the critical challenges and changes facing the world. Our analytical rigour, global expertise and evidence-based insights enable individuals and organisations to make sense of these shifts and chart a course through them.

We deliver analysis and insights in many formats to subscribers and clients in 170 countries through our four businesses, The Economist, Economist Impact, Economist Intelligence and Economist Education, which uphold our global reputation for excellence and integrity. 

About this role

For over 180 years The Economist has helped subscribers understand the world–guided by a clear mission, global outlook and independent thinking. Recognising the transformative potential of artificial intelligence, we have launched the Economist AI Lab, an R&D initiative designed to create innovative, customer-facing AI-powered products and services that amplify our journalism and broaden the reach of our ideas. 

We're now looking for a Technical Lead to join the Economist AI Lab. This is a one-year paid fellowship position at the centre of our new AI research and innovation initiative. This is a unique opportunity to work with a small team that will help shape how one of the world's most respected media brands adapts to advances in AI.

You'll lead our research efforts, exploring the potential of AI across text, audio, video and more. Your role will be to help identify technologies that could transform how we reach and serve subscribers, develop innovative prototypes, test them and document the process.

This role will suit someone who thrives in uncertain, formative environments; who can connect thorough technical investigation with practical application; and who relishes the challenge of shaping the future rather than merely refining current practices. The position is ideal for candidates seeking a stimulating change of pace or a temporary step away from their current role to explore innovative AI applications in a unique, creative environment.

This role will be based in our London headquarters.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical authority on AI capabilities for the lab, balancing innovative vision with practical implementation
• Come up with fresh thinking that pushes boundaries and spot new opportunities based on the AI frontier
• Lead our research work, from reviewing research to developing and testing new approaches

What sort of person we are looking for

• A curious and creative thinker who enjoys developing new concepts and trying new approaches
• Able to work autonomously in an uncertain and fast-changing setting
• Works well in a small team with the freedom to make decisions and communicate clearly with others
• Combines technical knowledge with business sense to ensure that research supports company goals
• Understands The Economist’s core values of classical liberalism, intellectual rigour and editorial independence

Specific skills and expertise

• Expertise in working directly with frontier generative AI models and systems - ideally from experience with top research labs or major tech companies
• Experience in developing AI systems involving different content formats such as text, audio, conversation and video
• Ability to clearly explain complex AI ideas in ways that show their business value and practical use to non-technical audiences

Strong candidates might also have

• Direct experience working in a startup, innovation lab or corporate R&D environment
• Interest or background in using AI in newsrooms, media or customer-facing contexts
• Familiarity with model fine-tuning, evaluation and benchmarking
• Experience with orchestration and agentic frameworks such as MCP

How to submit an application

Candidates should submit a CV and optional cover letter by the end of May.

As part of the application, we’re also asking candidates to submit a short, self-recorded video (2-3 minutes) describing an idea for a future AI-enabled product experience at The Economist. This is not a test of technical delivery, nor your production skills (a selfie video is fine). It’s a way for us to understand how you think, imagine and communicate.

[By submitting your application materials, you confirm that the information and ideas shared are submitted voluntarily and for the purposes of evaluation only. You retain rights to your own intellectual property, and The Economist Group assumes no ownership. However, you acknowledge that The Economist Group may independently develop or already be exploring similar concepts, and submission does not create any obligation of confidentiality, compensation or future collaboration.]

More about the Economist AI Lab:

We believe AI will fundamentally change both our business and the world around us, making our mission more vital than ever. While we already use AI across The Economist Group, we think the changes to come in the next few years could be even more far-reaching.

This is why we are launching the Economist AI Lab–to reimagine Economist journalism for an AI-driven world. It is a deliberately ambitious project, exploring new ideas and possibilities beyond our existing AI initiatives and engineering roadmap.

A small, dedicated team, the AI Lab will serve as an innovation engine for The Economist –investigating bold new ideas that will shape how we serve our global audience in the future.

The Economist Group values diversity. We are committed to equal opportunities and creating an inclusive environment for all our employees. We welcome applicants regardless of ethnic origin, national origin, gender, race, colour, religious beliefs, disability, sexual orientation or age.

#LI-Hybrid OR #LI-Remote

 

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Working Arrangements

The majority of our roles operate on a hybrid working pattern, with 3+ days office attendance required. 

AI usage for your application

We are an innovative organisation that encourages the use of technology. We recognise that candidates may utilise AI tools to support with their job application process. However, it is essential that all information you provide truthfully and accurately reflects your own experience, skills, and qualifications.

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What we offer

Our benefits package is designed to support your wellbeing, growth, and work-life balance. It includes a highly competitive pension or 401(k) plan, private health insurance, and 24/7 access to counselling and wellbeing resources through our Employee Assistance Program.

We also offer a range of lifestyle benefits, including our Work From Anywhere program, which allows you to work from any location where you have the legal right to do so for up to 25 days per year. In addition, we provide generous annual and parental leave, as well as dedicated days off for volunteering and even for moving home.

You will also be given free access to all The Economist content, including an online subscription, our range of apps, podcasts and more.