Data & AI Researcher

Island is the ideal environment for enterprise work, where security is everywhere without ever getting in the way. The Island Enterprise Platform unifies AI enablement, network access, data protection, identity, and endpoint control into one coherent workspace—so organizations get universal visibility and control, and users get a fast, fluid, beautifully simple experience. It's not just a better way to secure work. It's a better way to work. Backed by investors like Coatue Management, Insight Partners, Sequoia Capital and Cyberstarts, and trusted by some of the largest, most respected enterprises on the planet, Island is redefining what the modern workplace can be. Come join us in building something that's already changing how the world works. About the Team & Role Our team is responsible for transforming vast amounts of enterprise data into meaningful intelligence that powers Island's products and customer experiences. We leverage cutting-edge AI technologies, large language models, and advanced research methodologies to solve complex information challenges, develop detection capabilities, and create data- and AI-driven features across the Island platform. In this role, you will explore the rapidly evolving AI landscape, evaluate emerging technologies, and help shape how Island applies AI to real-world enterprise problems. You will work across the entire lifecycle of research initiatives - from identifying opportunities and defining approaches to validating solutions and driving them into production. At Island, you'll have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge AI technologies, influence product direction, and help define what AI-powered research looks like in the LLM era. Key Responsibilities • Conduct research projects using large language models and AI-powered workflows. • Design and improve detection methodologies across a wide range of enterprise data sources. • Investigate emerging AI capabilities and evaluate their applicability to real-world product challenges. • Develop datasets, taxonomies, and knowledge structures that power product features. • Lead features and initiatives from concept to production, driving execution across research, product, and engineering teams. • Own end-to-end processes, from problem definition and research design through implementation, validation, and ongoing improvement. • Collaborate closely with Product, Engineering, Security, and Design teams to bring research findings into production. • Continuously experiment with new tools, techniques, and models to improve research quality and efficiency. Requirements: • Strong analytical and research skills. • Curiosity and a passion for exploring complex information domains. • Experience working with AI tools and large language models. • Ability to evaluate information critically and distinguish signal from noise. • Experience leading projects or features from ideation through delivery. • Strong ownership and the ability to drive cross-functional initiatives independently. • Comfort working in fast-changing environments where technologies and best practices evolve rapidly. • Strong communication skills and the ability to present findings clearly. • A builder's mindset and enthusiasm for turning ideas into practical solutions.