Research Scientist, Ai Ethicist

About the Opportunity

About the Institute

Do you want to be part of an exciting new Institute focused on the fusion of human and machine intelligence into working responsible AI solutions?

We launched a pioneering research and innovation hub in AI—one that will shape the way humans and machines collaborate for decades to come. Led by Dr. Usama Fayyad, the Institute for Experiential AI (EAI) is built around the challenges and opportunities made possible by human-machine collaboration. The institute provides a framework to design, implement, and scale AI-driven technologies in ways that make a true difference to society. With core faculty from wide range of disciplines and with collaborations with multiple institutes and centers within the Northeastern University, EAI fosters a multidisciplinary and scientifically rigorous research and practice. Bridging academia and industry by merging theoretical and practical expertise, EAI presents a uniquely qualified setting to impact social change.

Founded in 1898 in Boston, Northeastern is a global research university and the recognized leader in experience-driven lifelong learning. Our world-renowned experiential approach empowers our students, faculty, alumni, and partners to create impact far beyond the confines of discipline, degree, and campus.

The Culture

Here at the Institute for Experiential AI (EAI) we are committed to the highest standards in all that we do. Working at the Institute for Experiential AI offers opportunities, an environment, a culture that just aren’t found together anywhere else. This is the right place for you if you’re curious, motivated by the future of technology and want to be part of a unique community that works on high-impact business and societal problems.

Job Summary

During a 1-year appointment (open to renewal), the AI Ethicist will be working at the intersection of industry and academia. The successful candidate will be embedded into one or more companies for the minimum duration of 3 months to help them internally execute the Responsible AI initiatives and practice. They will be supervised and supported by the Responsible AI team at Northeastern’s Institute for Experiential AI.

The successful candidate will be situated at the partnering companies and aid them in;

The AI ethicist will have full access to the institute’s faculty and staff and will be a part of Northeastern University’s community. This position is a rare opportunity to put Responsible AI into practice within the industry, with the feedback and resources of an academic institution.

Please upload ALL Required Documents below in the "resume" portion of the application to be considered for this position.

General Minimum Qualifications, Values & Abilities Needed for this Role

1. Degree: Ph.D. in philosophy, or related topics by the time of appointment.

2. Qualifications: Candidates are not required to have any prior working experience, but previous experience in Responsible AI and AI Ethics are a plus;

3. Skill sets (Values and Abilities): Candidates should be able to;

a. work independently with responsible AI and AI ethics, and

b. engage with multidisciplinary teams and guide other employees and teams within the field of AI ethics.

Additional Qualifications:

Background in relevant fields of philosophy such as applied ethics, moral philosophy, political philosophy, epistemology, philosophy of mind, or philosophy of language as applied to AI or relevant technologies;

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

50% - Working on Responsible AI consulting projects, which include conducting ethics analysis of use-cases, organizational analysis for ethics readiness, conducting research, and creating tools and trainings. While embedded in a company, the candidate will be conducting these RAI practices within the needs of the specific company.

30% - Building Responsible AI practices and tools, which include designing tools and methodologies, conducting research, and writing whitepapers. While embedded in a company, the candidate will be conducting these RAI practices within the needs of the specific company.

20% - Academic research in the area of Responsible AI

Position Type

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.

Northeastern University is an equal opportunity employer, seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff. Northeastern values and celebrates diversity in all its forms and strives to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

To learn more about Northeastern University’s commitment and support of diversity and inclusion, please see .