Research Associate in AI risk and foresight

Cambridge
Full-time
Closing date: 25 September 2022

Deadline: 25 September 2022


The Centre for the Study of Existential Risk (CSER) invites applications for Post-Doctoral Research Associates in AI risk, governance or foresight.

CSER produces world-leading research on global catastrophic risk topics ranging from pandemics to the impacts of emerging technologies, engaging with policymakers at the national and international level, and launching major research initiatives in Cambridge. The funds for this post are available until 31 July 2025 in the first instance.

The Role


This role will be based in the AI: Futures and Responsibility (AI:FAR) team. Previous work includes: identifying underexplored AI risk scenarios, such as those arising from malicious uses of AI; developing new methodologies for foresight and scenarios relating to the long-term impacts of transformative AI; and developing recommendations and best practices for responsible, safe and inclusive AI development. The AI:FAR team includes researchers from our sister centre the Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence. More here: https://www.ai-far.org/

Key activities associated with the role include:

  • Independent and collaborative research to be published as papers, reports, and other more innovative forms of outputs.
  • Participation in Centre-wide activities, both internally and through contributions to our outreach and engagement efforts.
  • Development of collaborations with leading researchers and research centres within and outside Cambridge, and with key contacts in government, international organisation and industry, where relevant.

About You


Applicants should have:

  • A PhD in a discipline such as public policy, law, international relations, computer science, machine learning, or economics; or equivalent experience producing in-depth research in a relevant setting (e.g. policy, industry, NGO).
  • The ability and motivation to engage with the technical aspects of AI as explored in computer science and statistics
  • Experience of engaging with diverse communities of experts, including academics across disciplines, industry partners, and policy makers.

How to Apply


If you have any questions about this vacancy, please contact Shahar Avin on recruitment@cser.cam.ac.uk, or about the application process, please contact the Schools HR team on SAHHR@admin.cam.ac.uk

The closing date for applications is midnight (BST) on Sunday 25 September 2022. Interviews are planned for the week commencing 3 October 2022 (subject to change).

The funds for this post are available until 31 July 2025 in the first instance.

Find out more and apply

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