Application Guide

How to Apply for Research Manager

at Institute for Law & AI

🏢 About Institute for Law & AI

The Institute for Law & AI (LawAI) is a unique think tank focused exclusively on the legal and policy challenges of artificial intelligence, operating at the critical intersection of technology, law, and governance. Unlike broader tech policy organizations, LawAI specializes in promoting security, welfare, and the rule of law specifically in the context of AI, making it an ideal environment for those passionate about shaping responsible AI development through legal frameworks.

About This Role

As Research Manager, you'll be responsible for developing and leading seasonal research programs for the US team while managing the entire lifecycle of research fellows—from recruitment and onboarding to mentorship and career development. This role is impactful because you'll directly shape LawAI's research agenda, build its intellectual community through events and workshops, and ensure the institute produces high-quality, policy-relevant work at the intersection of AI and law.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve morning check-ins with research fellows to review progress on seasonal projects, followed by meetings with the Director of US Policy to align research priorities. Afternoons could include reviewing fellowship applications, planning upcoming workshops on AI governance topics, and coordinating with communications teams to promote research outputs—all while managing a distributed team across time zones.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Institute for Law & AI Is Looking For

  • Has 3+ years experience managing academic or think tank research programs, including designing seasonal research agendas and overseeing multiple projects simultaneously
  • Demonstrated success in mentoring junior researchers or fellows, with specific examples of professional development support and career guidance provided
  • Proven track record in recruitment for research roles, including sourcing candidates, managing hiring processes, and coordinating with operations/communications teams
  • Experience organizing intellectual events and workshops that foster community engagement, preferably in tech policy or legal research environments

📝 Tips for Applying to Institute for Law & AI

1

Highlight specific experience managing seasonal research programs (not just ongoing research), including how you've aligned research agendas with organizational goals

2

Provide concrete examples of how you've mentored research fellows—include metrics if possible (e.g., 'mentored 5 fellows, 3 of whom published in peer-reviewed journals')

3

Demonstrate understanding of LawAI's niche by referencing their specific research areas (AI governance, algorithmic accountability, etc.) in your application materials

4

Showcase community-building experience with examples of events/workshops you've organized, emphasizing how they created intellectual engagement

5

Tailor your application to remote work by highlighting experience managing distributed research teams and coordinating across time zones

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your experience designing and managing seasonal research programs, specifically how you've translated organizational goals into actionable research agendas", 'Concrete examples of successful fellow mentorship and professional development support, including outcomes for past fellows', 'Your approach to building research communities through events and workshops, with specific examples from previous roles', "Why you're specifically interested in LawAI's focus on AI law and policy, demonstrating familiarity with their research areas"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review LawAI's published research reports and identify 2-3 specific projects that align with your interests and expertise
  • → Research the backgrounds of current LawAI leadership and fellows to understand their professional trajectories and research focus areas
  • → Explore recent AI legal developments (e.g., EU AI Act, US executive orders) to demonstrate current knowledge of the field
  • → Look into LawAI's past events and workshops to understand their community engagement style and intellectual focus

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you design a seasonal research program addressing emerging AI legal challenges? Walk us through your process from identifying topics to assigning fellows
2 Describe your approach to mentoring a research fellow who is struggling to produce publishable work within a seasonal program timeline
3 How would you recruit for a specialized research role in AI law, and what channels would you use to find qualified candidates?
4 Tell us about an intellectual event or workshop you organized—what made it successful, and how did it contribute to community building?
5 How would you coordinate between research fellows, the Director of US Policy, and communications/operations teams to ensure smooth program execution?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying with generic research management experience without tailoring it to seasonal programs and fellow mentorship specifically
  • Failing to demonstrate specific knowledge of AI law/policy or LawAI's niche focus at the intersection of technology and governance
  • Emphasizing individual research accomplishments over program management, fellow development, and community-building experience

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

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Good luck with your application to Institute for Law & AI!

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