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Think Tank Researcher Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Automat

Applied AI Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$175K - $220K/yr

... Innovation Think Tank. We're building a future where intelligent agents run real business ... Research and deploy real-world applications of cutting-edge AI models * Design and implement ...

Tencent

Associate, Global AI Policy

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

Successful candidates may come from leading universities, graduate programs, consulting firms, think tanks, policy research organizations, or technology companies. Most importantly, they should ...

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All JobsThink Tank Researcher JobsThink Tank Researcher Jobs in California

Think Tank Researcher information

See California salary details

$29.6K

$111.6K

$162.3K

How much do think tank researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for think tank researcher in California is $111,621.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,100.00 and $152,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a typical day look like for a think tank researcher, and how does the role interact with other professionals?

A typical day for a Think Tank Researcher involves gathering and analyzing data, reviewing literature, drafting research papers or policy briefs, and sometimes presenting findings to stakeholders or the public. Researchers often collaborate closely with other team members, including senior analysts, policy experts, and external partners, to ensure work is rigorous and relevant. You may also attend meetings, participate in brainstorming sessions, and contribute to grant-writing or project proposals. This collaborative environment fosters learning and offers ample opportunities for professional development and advancement as you build expertise on key policy issues.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a think tank researcher, and why are they important?

Thrive as a Think Tank Researcher by possessing strong analytical abilities, advanced research skills, and typically a graduate degree in a relevant field such as political science, economics, or public policy. Familiarity with data analysis software, statistical tools, and literature databases is often important, alongside experience in peer-reviewed publication or policy report writing. Outstanding communication, critical thinking, and collaboration skills help researchers effectively convey complex ideas and work within interdisciplinary teams. These capabilities are essential for conducting impactful research that informs policy decisions and drives organizational objectives.

What does a think tank researcher do?

A Think Tank Researcher conducts in-depth analysis on political, economic, social, or scientific issues to provide insights and recommendations for policymakers, businesses, or the public. They gather data, write reports, and participate in discussions to influence decision-making. Their work often involves collaborating with experts, conducting interviews, and presenting findings through publications or events.

What are the most commonly searched types of Think Tank Researcher jobs in California? The most popular types of Think Tank Researcher jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Think Tank Researcher jobs in California? For Think Tank Researcher jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Think Tank Researcher jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Think Tank Researcher jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Think Tank Researcher jobs? Cities in California with the most Think Tank Researcher job openings:
Think Tank Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Think Tank Researcher job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,621 per year, or $53.7 per hour.

Applied AI Engineer

Automat

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$175K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted just now

Job description

Who are the people that make up Automat?
Automat was founded by a diverse group of creative technologists from teams like Google Creative Lab and Samsung's Innovation Think Tank. We're building a future where intelligent agents run real business operations, not just support them. Automat Workforce puts AI coworkers directly inside a company's existing tools to handle day-to-day operational work, and our Studio platform gives customers a fully managed way to build, deploy, and monitor their own agents and automations.
We encourage anyone to apply - while this is a senior position we think talent, passion and your unique perspective can outweigh years of experience. We are really looking for someone who can hit the ground running on day one and contribute at a rapid pace, while also being someone from whom we ourselves can learn from.
The Role
We're looking for an Applied AI Engineer who thrives at the intersection of product, engineering, and research. In this role, you'll collaborate closely with forward-deployed engineers and end users, developing innovative tools for both internal teams and external customers. You will actively shape technical solutions, influence strategic direction, and contribute meaningfully to our culture.
What You'll Do:
  • Collaborate with product and engineering to deeply understand customer challenges
  • Research and deploy real-world applications of cutting-edge AI models
  • Design and implement impactful solutions across internal tools and customer-facing products
  • Influence our engineering practices, shape product direction, and contribute to company culture

What drives you
  • Curiosity, creativity, and a drive to rapidly learn and adapt
  • Building full-stack apps that bring AI to life
  • Staying on top of the latest in AI and LLM prompting techniques
  • Pushing the boundaries of what's possible with AI agents
  • Working in fast-moving, collaborative teams

What's in your toolbox
  • Strong understanding of ML & AI best practices
  • Proficiency in Python and Typescript
  • Experience working with LLM APIs (e.g. OpenAI, Google, Anthropic, etc.)
  • Knowledge of LLM frameworks like Vercel AI SDK
  • Experience building with frameworks like Next.js and working with REST APIs
  • Familiarity with "computer-use" models (e.g., Operator, Computer Use, Browser Use)
  • Experience using AI tools effectively (e.g. Cursor, Windsurf, lovable, etc.)

What we are looking for
  • Ability to rapidly prototype and iterate on ideas
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills
  • Comfortable navigating ambiguity and wearing multiple hats
  • Passion for creating intuitive, user-friendly experiences
  • A proactive mindset and a bias toward action
  • Experience in startups or other dynamic, high-growth settingsExperience in startups or other dynamic, high-growth settings
  • 3-6+ years of experience working as an IC collaborative teams

Apply