(Senior) Research Scholar, Special Projects Track
Institute for Law and AI
📍 Remote (Global) 🕔 Full Time
💰$100,000 – $154,000 🔄 Rolling Applications
The Institute for Law & AI (LawAI) is looking for Research Scholars and Senior Research Scholars (Special Projects Track) to join its team to launch or manage new programs or initiatives in the field of AI law & policy. Both positions are one-year, visiting roles. For those interested in a one-year program focused on research, please see our (Senior) Research Scholar (General Track) job description.
The Research Scholar (Special Projects Track) program is designed to support the career development of AI law & policy researchers and practitioners, while offering an opportunity to do high-impact work. The salary range is $100,000 – $121,000 for Research Scholars and $120,000 – $154,000 for Senior Research Scholars, depending on experience and location. There is flexibility in salary for exceptional candidates with significant experience, for example, candidates with more than a decade of experience building partnerships for a major think tank, university, or company; organizing major national or international conferences; convening senior leaders and researchers; or building company-wide research or operations systems.
If you’re looking for a place to explore a career in AI law & policy, collaborate with experts in the field, and build your skills under the mentorship of our staff, please consider applying here. There is no deadline for this role, and we will be reviewing applications every two months.
About the Role
As a Research Scholar (Special Projects Track), you will launch and manage a new program or initiative in the field of AI law & policy. Illustrative examples include organizing policy events, piloting a field-building program, or starting a new organization. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with the research team and various policymakers and stakeholders in the field to develop and run the program, with the support of the Operations and Programs Teams.
Our goal is to prepare Research Scholars (Special Projects Track) to pursue impactful work in AI law & policy upon completing their one-year position and to accelerate their contribution to the field. With this in mind, we strive to help Research Scholars (Special Projects Track) advance high-impact projects while deepening their expertise and knowledge; connecting with collaborators, experts, mentors, decision-makers, and potential employers; and developing their professional profile, all within an institutional home that offers both flexibility and support.
About You
We strongly encourage you to apply if you have an interest in our work. Candidates will be expected to apply their expertise to AI law & policy but are not required to have previous experience working on AI-relevant projects.
You might be a good fit for this work if you:
Want to ensure that advances in artificial intelligence are beneficial and safe for the public. You don’t need previous experience in AI or other subject-matter expertise, but you are motivated to work on projects aimed at ensuring that the development of artificial intelligence promotes security, welfare, and the rule of law for all people. You are considering beginning a career in this area or directing your existing expertise toward this goal.
Are self-directed and proactive. You are excited to develop and implement plans from start to finish. You proactively seek input and build partnerships. You make plans and execute them.
Work well in teams. You collaborate well on longer projects as well as time-sensitive ones, and you are motivated to help others succeed. You both give and are receptive to constructive feedback.
Have excellent communication skills. You can articulate your views clearly and with strong reasoning transparency. You are able to convey complex legal concepts in an accessible and nuanced way.
Have excellent analytical and critical thinking skills.
Can travel 2-3 times during the year for team retreats and conferences, typically in the United States.
All of the above said, there’s no such thing as a perfect candidate; we don’t expect a successful hire to excel in all of the dimensions here. If you are on the fence about applying because you are unsure whether you are qualified, we strongly encourage you to apply.
Other Details
Compensation
The salary range for this role is $100,000 – $121,000 for Research Scholars (Special Projects Track) and $120,000 – $154,000 for Senior Research Scholars (Special Projects Track), depending on experience and location. For exceptional candidates whose experience exceeds our expectations in terms of relevance and seniority, we may consider higher compensation. Exceptional candidates might include those with more than a decade of experience building partnerships for a major think tank, university, or company; organizing major national or international conferences; convening senior leaders and researchers; or building company-wide research or operations systems.
Responsibilities and title will depend on experience. As a rough guide, candidates who have a relevant graduate degree and under five years of relevant professional experience should expect to come in as a Research Scholar; candidates with ten or more will more likely come in as a Senior Research Scholar. These determinations are made on a case-by-case basis and depend on the relevance of experience and the depth and rarity of expertise. You can indicate on your application form whether you would only like to be considered for one role title.
Start Date
We are open to candidates starting at a time that suits them, but ideally no later than late fall.
Time Zones & Location
This is a full-time position with flexible work hours and location. We are based primarily in the US, but have staff working from many different countries.
Visas
We are unable to sponsor work visas for this role. Candidates must be eligible to work in their respective jurisdictions.
Benefits
Our benefits include:
A fully remote work environment and flexible working hours
Five weeks of PTO recommended per year, plus public holidays
Twelve weeks of paid parental leave that can be taken prior to birth or adoption and during the first year, with the option to take additional unpaid leave
Employer pension or matching 401(k) contribution up to 4% of your salary
Health insurance for employees residing in countries without nationalized healthcare
An annual stipend of $4000 per year for productivity and professional development support
An annual stipend of $4000 per year for mental health support
An annual stipend of $2500 per year for equipment and office supplies
A friendly, open work culture that encourages feedback and close collaboration, and a team that appreciates the contributions of all team members
Diversity & Equal Opportunity
We aim to employ people with many different experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds who share our mission. We are committed to creating an environment where all employees have the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their race, religion, disability, national origin, gender, or sexual orientation.
Requests for Accommodation
If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability or incompatible assistive technology, please contact hiring@law-ai.org to request reasonable accommodations.
Application Process
If you think you might be a good fit for the role but are unsure whether you should apply, we strongly encourage you to do so.
Application Form— Fill out the application form (1-2 hrs). There is no deadline, and we will be reviewing applications every two months.
Work Test— Invitation to take a work test (~2hrs) designed to simulate the work you would do if hired and/or evaluate certain skills important for success in the role
Interviews— Remote interviews & optional reference checks
Employment Offer
