Outsmart Insight
Associate Director – Deep Tech
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Associate Director – Deep Tech
The Pitch
Help global companies and government agencies understand the technologies shaping the future, from quantum computing and synthetic biology to advanced climate technologies and next-generation aerospace systems.
About the Role
Outsmart Insight is seeking an experienced Associate Director with a strong scientific or engineering background who can quickly understand emerging technologies, build trusted client relationships and lead the delivery of exceptional technology intelligence.
You'll spend your time exploring breakthrough technologies being developed in laboratories and startups around the world, working with scientists, founders, and industry experts, and translating complex technical research into strategic, client-ready insight for organisations at the forefront of innovation.
This is a role for someone who enjoys thinking deeply, writing clearly, and leading others to produce exceptional work. You do not need to be an expert in every field, but you should be intellectually curious, adaptable, and excited by the challenge of understanding complex technologies quickly.
This is a role for intellectually curious generalists. While you'll bring expertise from one area, you'll spend much of your time learning about technologies you've never encountered before. You'll work closely with our analysts, project managers, and our global community of science and technology experts to deliver exceptional insight and strategic value to clients. We're looking for someone who thrives in a fast-moving environment, communicates thoughtfully, builds trusted client relationships, and takes genuine pride in producing work of the highest quality.
In this role, you'll lead high-impact client engagements across a broad range of emerging technologies. You'll take ownership of strategic accounts, mentor analysts, safeguard the quality of client deliverables, and help shape the future direction of Outsmart Insight's technology intelligence capabilities.
What You Will Be Doing
By translating emerging technology research and foresight into clear, strategic insight, you'll help the R&D divisions of global companies and government agencies stay at the forefront of innovation.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
- Lead client discovery and technology scoping discussions with prospective and existing clients
- Translate complex business challenges into technology intelligence projects and research programmes
- Build trusted relationships with CTOs, Chief Scientists, Corporate Venture teams, and Technology Scouts
- Work with our global community of scientists, engineers, and industry experts to generate high-quality research
- Review, critique, and sign off research outputs to ensure exceptional quality
- Translate technical research into concise, engaging client-ready reports with strong visual impact
- Lead multidisciplinary project teams, supporting and mentoring Analysts throughout project delivery
- Present research findings, facilitate workshops, and communicate strategic recommendations to senior stakeholders
- Produce insightful thought leadership that strengthens Outsmart Insight's reputation within the innovation community
You are expected to gain exposure to a wide range of emerging technology topics, such as:
- AI and machine learning
- Autonomous and unmanned systems
- Biomanufacturing
- Climate data & analytics
- Digital Twins
- Future aerospace concepts
- Human-machine interfaces
- Nanomaterials
- Neurotechnologies
- Next-gen renewables
- Quantum sensing
- Satellite communications
- Space propulsion concepts
- Synthetic Biology
Who This Role Is For
This role is suited to someone who:
- Has a BSc, MSc, or PhD in Physics, Engineering, or another STEM discipline
- Has developed broad scientific and commercial judgement across multiple technology domains
- Is a clear, structured, and concise writer, able to translate technical concepts into strategic client-ready insight
- Is comfortable working across a broad range of technologies as a generalist
- Has experience building trusted client relationships and leading complex technical projects
- Enjoys mentoring others and maintaining exceptionally high-quality standards
We would be particularly interested in candidates with experience in:
- Technology intelligence or innovation consulting
- Corporate R&D or innovation strategy
- Scientific or technical publishing
- Patent intelligence or technology landscaping
- Scientific communications
- Deep-tech commercialisation
- Strategic foresight or technology scouting
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Requirements
- BSc, Masters, or PhD in a STEM discipline
- Approximately 8+ years' experience in technology intelligence, innovation consulting, or another broad, client-facing technical role
- Deep intellectual curiosity about a wide range of emerging technologies, and the ability to assimilate quickly at a high level
- Experience leading client engagements with senior technical and commercial stakeholders
- Experience coaching, mentoring, or developing junior colleagues
- Ability to think on your feet and communicate confidently with senior clients
- Comfortable in a high-growth environment
- Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to high-quality work
- Excellent written communication skills, specifically the ability to write concise and engaging client-specific prose
How to Apply
Send a two-page CV and a one-page cover letter to careers@outsmartinsight.com highlighting your suitability for this role.
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 Values
- Smart minds, working together
- Hard work, rewarded
- Quality delivered every time
- Strong client relationships built on trust
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills
Location