AI and Shared Prosperity Research Fellow
The Partnership on AI (PAI) is seeking a Research Fellow to help advance public knowledge on what concrete frameworks companies developing and deploying AI should adopt to ensure AI serves to create an inclusive global economy.
The Fellow will work with PAI Partners and staff across the research, partnerships and policy teams and will report to the Program Lead that oversees PAI’s Labor and Economy programs. The project as currently scoped would suit a 12-month fellowship, though based on candidate preferences and abilities we will consider durations between 6-12 months. Start date is flexible (though earlier is preferred).
PAI is headquartered in San Francisco, with a global membership base and scope but we will consider remote work.
Background
PAI’s new AI and Shared Prosperity Initiative (AI SPI) explores ways to proactively guide AI advancement in the direction of expanding the economic prospects of people with fewer opportunities for educational advancement in particular. With a careful examination of the relationship between AI advancement and the distribution of economic opportunity, the Initiative will draw on a range of critical perspectives: that of workers, of a multi-disciplinary body of thinkers from academia, the AI industry and the civil society, and the broader public. The Fellow’s work will be dedicated to consolidating the above inputs to shape and refine an AI SPI Research Agenda, and advancing research on the critical questions identified in the Agenda.
Key Responsibilities (including, but not limited to):
Refine and plan a practical and robust research and engagement methodology in service of the AI SPI goals based on input from PAI Partners and the broader community closely involved in the AI SPI work.
Execute the research plan in a manner that leverages the Partnership’s voice and perspective, rather than that of one company, lab, or organization’s.
Analyze and synthesize findings into appropriate outputs (papers, frameworks, etc).
Identify and engage stakeholders relevant to the project (particularly those likely to be overlooked).
Contribute expertise and insight to the planning of events that support the project’s goals.
Work collaboratively with other PAI teams and external stakeholders.
Attend relevant events, convenings, and conferences.
Required Qualifications:
PhD or equivalent experience in social science research methods, or a STEM degree plus professional experience with qualitative and quantitative research methods, and economic modeling. Applicants with research experience currently enrolled in a PhD program are also encouraged to apply.
High-level familiarity with commercial AI development and deployment and a strong interest in the impact of AI on the economy and labor market.
Propensity for long-term systems-level thinking.
Familiarity with or interest in learning about fields identified as relevant or sources of inspiration for this project (i.e. Economic Theory, Labor Economics, Science and Technology Studies, Sociotechnical Systems Theory, Organizational Theory, Mechanism Design, Market Design, Business and Human Rights, Responsible Business Practices, corporate green transformations, and more).
Comfort navigating diverse input from a wide array of contributors including from beyond the core area of academic specialization.
Preferred Qualifications:
Familiarity with developing countries’ economic, educational and labor market contexts.
Familiarity with designing participant interviews and focus groups, and qualitative analysis techniques such as thematic coding.
Ability to translate research insights into solutions and frameworks for practical implementation by companies developing and deploying AI.
Experience with public or corporate communications beyond academic publications.
An interest in contributing to programmatic activities such as events and workshops.
Research Fellowships at PAI are allocated in three bands of seniority, and the AI and Shared Prosperity Research Fellow can be drawn from any of the below:
Postgraduate Research Fellowships are suitable for candidates with a PhD or equivalent experience.
Research Fellowships are suitable for early to mid-career candidates, who have a PhD and a demonstrated track record of research and/or technology policy work; or who have more than a PhD equivalent level research, technical or policy experience and output in non-academic settings.
Senior Research Fellowships are suitable for well-established, senior researchers who have led successful labs or research teams or have an extensive track record of research work.
PAI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment in all aspects of employment, including recruiting, hiring, promoting, training, education assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, and all privileges and conditions of employment. Employment decisions at PAI are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications.
PAI will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance or similar laws.
The Partnership on AI may become subject to certain governmental record keeping and reporting requirements for the administration of civil rights laws and regulations. We also track diversity in our workforce for the purpose of improving over time. In order to comply with these goals, the Partnership on AI invites employees to voluntarily self-identify their gender and race/ethnicity. Submission of this information is voluntary and refusal to provide it will not jeopardize or adversely affect employment or any consideration you may receive for employment or advancement. The information obtained will be kept confidential.
Application Materials:
Resume and/or CV
Cover Letter that includes ways in which you meet the qualifications requirements
Applications will be accepted until July 22, 2020.