Institute for the Future (IFTF) is seeking a Research Director to lead development of foundational frameworks and forecasts on the impact of emerging technologies on society — across work, education, business, and daily life. This is a rare opportunity for a curious, imaginative, and intellectually adventurous researcher to work at the intersection of emerging technologies, social change, policy, and ethics with the world's longest continuously running futures organization.

IFTF has been rooted in this work since its 1968 founding by Paul Baran, the inventor of packet-switching technology, and through pioneering research by sociologist Bob Johansen and others on the social uses of ARPANET. That legacy continues today through prototyping new applications and developing frameworks for understanding AI's potential impacts. IFTF research is not only about forecasting what might come next, but about helping leaders, institutions, and communities make better choices today.

The Role

The Research Director will lead and contribute to futures research that explores the fundamental technological forces reshaping society — AI, automation, biotech, climatetech, platforms, and beyond — while also investigating their human, social, and ethical impacts. You will identify early indicators of change,, synthesize complex ideas, and translate insight into compelling narratives, frameworks, and prototypes that inspire action. Just as importantly, you will be a visible and trusted face of IFTF: convening conversations, presenting ideas in various public forums, and cultivating relationships across sectors.

This role is ideal for a deeply engaged connector and a demonstrated thought leader — someone who circulates in emerging intellectual spaces, who is an expert listener, and who builds meaningful cross-disciplinary relationships. You enjoy experimentation, rapid prototyping, and provoking the imagination. You are as comfortable in research settings and policy discussions as you are on stage, helping audiences understand not just what might happen, but why it matters. IFTF offers both a renowned platform and a responsibility to help the world navigate the future with rigor, imagination, and care.

LOCATION

Palo Alto, California or the Greater San Francisco Bay Area (Weekly in-person presence is required)

Why IFTF

IFTF is a globally recognized, mission-driven futures organization, a trusted network, and a vibrant community of practitioners. For over 55 years, IFTF has brought together technologists, designers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and social innovators to explore possibilities and shape more humane, equitable futures. We work with philanthropies, Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, communities, and educational institutions. Joining IFTF means becoming part of a community that values curiosity and imagination, and co-creation, and a commitment to bringing more voices into shaping the future.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to research on emerging technologies and societal futures
• Track, sense, and forecast technological and social shifts, including second- and third-order impacts 
• Explore ethical dilemmas, power dynamics, and unintended consequences of new technologies 
• Design and test frameworks, prototypes, scenarios, and foresight tools 
• Serve as a public-facing representative of IFTF through talks, workshops, and media 
• Build and sustain trusted relationships across academia, industry, policy, and civil society 

Experience, Qualifications & Qualities 

• Proven researcher with experience tracking and forecasting technology and society futures 
• Strong ability to sense patterns and describe current conditions clearly 
• Experimental mindset; enjoys prototyping and iterative learning 
• Skilled public speaker and facilitator; comfortable representing IFTF externally 
• Open-minded, curious, and interdisciplinary thinker 
• Well-networked or motivated to build diverse, global connections 
• Deep interest in the social, ethical, and human impacts of technology 

COMPENSATION

The annual base salary range for this role is $155,000 - $200,000, commensurate with experience.

To apply, please submit your statement of interest and a CV with an updated LinkedIn link. We encourage you to include a selection of appropriate writing samples. Email package of PDFs to iftfjobs@iftf.org. 

Candidate applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.