Future of Life Institute (FLI) · 1 month ago
Societal Defense Researcher
United States
Contract
Remote
Mid Level
$85K/yr - $135K/yrFuture of Life Organizations is seeking a Societal Defense Researcher within CARMA's Public Security Policy Program to advance AI governance and risk mitigation strategies. The role involves conducting policy research, assessing vulnerabilities, and developing disaster preparedness plans for AI-related crises, with a focus on creating actionable policy recommendations and engaging with critical AI safety challenges.
Non Profit
No H1B
Responsibilities
Conduct rigorous policy research mapping the landscape of current and proposed AI governance approaches, identifying gaps and fragilities in existing frameworks
Assess societal vulnerabilities to advanced AI systems across critical infrastructure, physical safety, information ecosystems, and social institutions
Develop comprehensive AI disaster scenario plans adaptable to different jurisdictional contexts and governance structures
Research how to translate complex technical concepts and risk scenarios into clear, actionable policy recommendations for decision-makers
Draft compelling policy briefs, reports, and blog posts communicating AI governance challenges to diverse audiences
Develop realistic simulation materials and tabletop exercises that stress-test emergency response protocols for AI system failures
Identify early warning indicators and potential cascade failures in AI governance structures
Map institutional dependencies and coordination challenges in cross-jurisdictional disaster response
Analyze existing civil defense and disaster response frameworks for adaptability, or the lack thereof, to novel AI threats
Support PSP advocacy initiatives and strategic relationship development with policymakers
Qualification
Required
Master's degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Political Science, International Relations, Science and Technology Studies, or related field; OR bachelor's degree with substantial relevant professional experience
Demonstrated ability to conduct thorough policy analysis and produce high-quality written outputs for both academic and policy audiences
Exceptional writing abilities with experience translating complex technical concepts into accessible language for non-specialist audiences
Strong grasp of policy processes, political systems, and strategic approaches to effectuating policy change
Breadth of knowledge, curiosity, and literacy across the sciences and physical technologies
Working knowledge of international relations frameworks and governance structures relevant to emerging technology management
Demonstrated understanding of AI safety concerns, systemic risks, and the sociotechnical implications of increasingly capable AI systems
Self-directed with ability to manage complex projects in a remote team environment while maintaining high attention to detail
Preferred
Experience in crisis response planning, disaster preparedness, or emergency management
Background in cybersecurity, biosecurity, critical infrastructure protection, or other relevant risk domains
Understanding of organizational response limits during acute crises
Familiarity with both technical and governance aspects of AI alignment challenges
Experience conducting vulnerability assessments of complex sociotechnical systems
Knowledge of civil defense planning, continuity of government operations, or supply chain resilience
Background in multi-stakeholder coordination across government agencies, private sector, and civil society
Some coursework, experience, or interest in the hard sciences
Experience with scenario planning methodologies and strategic foresight techniques
Benefits
Good benefits if a U.S. employee
Company
Future of Life Institute (FLI)
The Future of Life Institute (FLI) is an independent nonprofit that works to reduce extreme, large-scale risks from transformative technologies, as well as steer the development and use of these technologies to benefit life.
Founded in 2014
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageTotal Funding
$1.67MKey Investors
Open Philanthropy
2021-11-15Grant· $0.48M
2015-08-01Grant· $1.19M
Leadership Team
Viktoriya Krakovna
Co-founder
Recent News
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