We are currently seeking a Research Fellow to focus on standards, testing, evaluation, safety, and national security issues associated with AI systems. AI systems have the opportunity to provide innovations and efficiencies to society, economy, and national security. However, these AI systems need to be developed and deployed in a manner that ensures they operate as intended. This Research Fellow will examine how the limitations, risk, and society and security impacts of AI can be understood and managed.

CSET Research Fellows apply their varied experience and expertise to challenging policy questions at the intersection of national security and emerging technology. Comfortable working with empirical data and evidence to support policy recommendations, Research Fellows are expected to lead research projects, brief policymakers, participate in public events, and manage and mentor CSET’s Research Analysts, Research Assistants, and student affiliates. They are also expected to work closely with CSET’s data scientists to conduct empirical analyses. Generally, Research Fellows are less than 10 years out of graduate school (MA, PhD or JD) programs and are encouraged to enter public service at the conclusion of their fellowship.  

Strong Candidates: 

The Standards and Testing work at CSET covers a diverse range of topics and disciplines. As such, we are not looking for a candidate that has experience across all applicable areas. Instead, we are seeking a candidate that is strong in a subset of topics and disciplines. Thus, a strong candidate will have at least 3 of the 6 items of the below items of experience or expertise:

1.  Experience coding and developing ML or AI algorithms. The candidate should also understand the current state of the art of ML algorithms (e.g., transformers, reinforcement learning) and be able to digest the relevant literature
2. Experience developing test metrics, designs, and plans.  This should include an understanding of approaches for ensuring test sufficiency and improving efficiency. Experience does not need to be specifically with ML/AI systems.
3. An understanding of the current status, discussions, and issues surrounding standards and testing of AI. Including the varying perspectives of different groups (e.g., commercial, government, public, domestic, or international organizations)
4.  Ability to understand technical literature, perform research, and produce documents with policy-relevant insights
5.  Expertise in the different failure modes for AI/ML. This includes both intentional attacks on AI systems and non-adversarial failure modes.
6.  An understanding of how ML/AI is being used for national security and defense concerns.

Responsibilities:

As Standards and Testing Research Fellow, you will report to a Senior Fellow and be responsible for:

• Developing, proposing, and leading research projects related to the Center’s mission, both individually and in collaboration with other Research Fellows, Research Analysts, Data Scientists, and Center leadership
• Producing written publications, both individually and as a coauthor
• Supervising and mentoring Research Analysts, Research Assistants, and student affiliates
• Developing and delivering presentations and briefs for policy-making audiences on topics related to AI Standards and Testing
• Monitoring trends and developments in AI Standards and Testing around community best practices, emerging capabilities, and both national and international policy
• Contributing to CSET’s organizational development, including contributing to internal working groups, seminars, and discussions; and supporting and mentoring colleagues

Requirements:

• Graduate (Master’s, JD, PhD) degree in relevant field
• At least 3 years of progressive experience in research, analysis, AI, or testing, including familiarity with interpreting and visualizing data
• Ability to conduct research, write, and manage others with limited need for supervision
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Curiosity and enthusiasm 
• Collaborative attitude; demonstrated ability to work in teams
• Project or team management experience
• Proficiency with office productivity tools like Google Docs and Microsoft Office

This position is based in the United States and offers no relocation assistance. This position is not eligible for a specialty-occupation sponsorship and, accordingly, this position requires that all applicants be legally eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship from Georgetown University.

In general, CSET Research Fellows earn between $75,000 and $125,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

Application Instructions:

PLEASE NOTE: A complete application must include the following:

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter that addresses the following questions:
   1. Why are you applying to this position?
   2. What opportunities and/or barriers to the responsible application of emerging technologies to national security are you most interested in researching and why?
3. Writing Samples: Please provide two writing samples. Ideally these samples would be policy-oriented research and sole-authored, but any self-selected writing sample of at least two pages (e.g., class paper, prior project work, etc.) is acceptable.

APPLY HERE by Friday, July 15th, 2022.

CSET’s Commitment to Fellows:

As part of CSET’s mission to develop the next generation of decision-makers, Research Fellows will have opportunities to lead significant research projects, manage teams, brief government officials; interact with the media; collaborate with internal and external research partners; engage with policymakers and other stakeholders in government and the private sector; and contribute meaningfully to CSET’s research agenda and development as an organization. Research Fellows gain exposure to government and other public service career options; and develop people management competencies. CSET is dedicated to providing full support to our staff through tailored professional development opportunities, flexible work arrangements and career coaching.

Georgetown University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer fully dedicated to achieving a diverse faculty and staff. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and expression, and sexual orientation), disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.