AI Security Policy Researcher

Join the Center for AI Risk Management & Alignment (CARMA) as a Public Security Policy Researcher to advance AI governance, risk mitigation, and emergency response planning. This fully remote, long-term position focuses on disaster preparedness for AI-related crises, vulnerability assessments across critical societal systems, and the development of robust governance frameworks. You'll directly engage with leading-edge AI safety challenges, shaping policy responses to the risks posed by increasingly capable AI systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct rigorous policy research on current and proposed AI governance frameworks, identifying systemic gaps and vulnerabilities.
• Assess societal vulnerabilities across critical infrastructure, physical safety, information ecosystems, and social institutions.
• Develop adaptable AI disaster scenario plans for various jurisdictional contexts.
• Translate complex technical and risk concepts into actionable policy recommendations for decision-makers.
• Draft policy briefs, reports, and blog posts communicating AI governance challenges to diverse audiences.
• Create simulation materials and tabletop exercises to stress-test emergency response protocols for AI 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 civil defense and disaster response frameworks for adaptability to novel AI threats.
• Support advocacy initiatives and strategic relationship building with policymakers.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Master's degree in Public Policy, Political Science, International Relations, Science & Technology Studies, or related field; or equivalent experience.
• Proven ability to conduct thorough policy analysis and produce high-quality written work for academic and policy audiences.
• Exceptional writing skills with experience translating technical concepts for non-specialist audiences.
• Strong understanding of policy processes, political systems, and strategic policy change.
• Breadth of knowledge and curiosity across sciences and physical/information technologies.
• Working knowledge of international relations and governance structures for emerging technology management.
• Understanding of AI safety, systemic risks, and sociotechnical impacts of advanced AI systems.
• Self-directed, able to manage complex projects remotely with attention to detail.
• Preferred: Experience in crisis response, disaster preparedness, or emergency management.
• Preferred: Background in cybersecurity, biosecurity, critical infrastructure protection, or multi-stakeholder coordination.