Associate Director (Emerging Technology & Foresight)

The Pitch - It’s a fun job with a genuinely exceptional team. You'll engage with deep-tech pioneers in leading laboratories and startups around the world, while advising R&D organisations and government agencies on the technologies shaping the future.Outsmart Insight is seeking an Associate Director with a strong scientific or engineering background and proven experience analysing emerging technologies across multiple domains. You'll be equally comfortable discussing quantum computing, synthetic biology, advanced robotics, aerospace or AI, rapidly synthesising complex technical developments into strategic insight for clients.You'll engage with scientists, founders and industry experts around the world to understand frontier technologies and translate complex research into clear, strategic insight for multinational R&D companies and government agencies.This is a role for an intellectually curious generalist. You don't need to be an expert in every technology – we're looking for someone who can become conversant quickly, ask the right questions and produce exceptional work.Alongside leading client engagements, you'll lead a small team, mentor analysts, build trusted client relationships and help shape the future direction of Outsmart Insight's technology intelligence capabilities.What you will be doingLead discovery, technology scoping and strategic discussions with key clientsTranslate complex business challenges into technology intelligence workflows, underpinned by a global network of 8,500+ scientists, engineers and deep tech pioneersBuild trusted relationships with CTOs, Chief Scientists, Corporate Venture teams and technology scoutsReview and sign off client deliverables, maintaining exceptional quality standardsTransform complex technical research into concise, client-ready reports and presentationsLead multidisciplinary project teams, mentoring analysts throughout deliveryPresent findings, facilitate workshops and communicate strategic recommendations to senior stakeholdersProduce thought leadership that strengthens Outsmart Insight's position in technology intelligenceYou are expected to gain exposure to a wide range of emerging technology topics, such as:Artificial intelligence and AI agentsAutonomous and robotic systemsAdvanced manufacturing and industrial automationAdvanced materials and nanotechnologyBiomanufacturing and the bioeconomyClimate technologies and carbon removalDefence and dual-use technologiesDigital engineering and digital twinsEnergy storage, fusion and next-generation energyHuman performance and neurotechnologyPhotonics and advanced sensingQuantum computing, sensing and communicationsSatellite systems and space technologiesSemiconductor and advanced compute technologiesSynthetic biology and engineering biologyWe're looking for someone who:Holds a degree (BSc, MSc or PhD) in physics, engineering or similar scientific disciplineHas 8+ years' experience in technology intelligence, innovation consulting or a similarly broad technical roleCan quickly understand unfamiliar technologies and communicate them with clarityWrites concise, structured, client-ready reportsHas led complex client engagements with senior technical and commercial stakeholdersBuilds trusted client relationshipsEnjoys mentoring others and raising the quality of those around themThrives in a fast-moving, intellectually demanding environmentTakes genuine pride in producing exceptional workExperience in one or more of the following would be advantageous:Technology intelligenceInnovation consultingCorporate R&D strategyStrategic technical foresightCurrently in roles such as Research Director, Principal Technology Analyst, Senior Technology Analyst, etc.Why Outsmart Insight?Advances in all the sciences – from robotics and genomics to climate tech and space exploration – are leaving no aspect of our lives untouched. Global challenges in the 21st Century need science, technology and the collective ingenuity of all the big brains on our planet to solve them, which is why we need you.Outsmart Insight is a technology intelligence company at the intersection of where deep tech meets the future. Our focus is on emerging, breakthrough and next-generation technologies. We specialise in horizon scanning, technology monitoring, trend forecasting and innovation scouting, enabling FTSE 100 companies, venture capital firms, multinational R&D and government agencies to be at the forefront of next-generation technology.Core Company ValuesSmart minds, working togetherHard work, rewardedQuality delivered every timeStrong client relationships built on trustHappy healthy teamHow to applyPlease send:A two-page CVA one-page cover letter outlining your suitability for the roleto