Research Scientist / Ethics & Society

Our Mission Our mission is to solve the most pressing and foundational challenges in AI and Robotics, to enable the creation of future generations of intelligent machines that will improve our lives. The AI Institute's ethics and society team conducts innovative, interdisciplinary research on the societal impacts of robotics. Our research seeks to substantiate societal discourse on robotics with evidence, to supply the necessary data for decision-makers to make informed choices regarding the integration and regulation of robotic systems. Our approach is imaginative, rigorous, and strongly cooperative. The research team is made up of members from various disciplines, all utilizing scientifically based methodologies. The team decides on its research topics and projects, working to identify and scrutinize overlooked questions at the intersection of law and policy, ethics, market dynamics, and robotics. We devote ourselves to high-quality work on a few projects at a time, publishing only peer-reviewed research. In addition to conducting independent research, the team is fully integrated within the institute. The team facilitates institute-wide workshops and discussions, and engages with all the research and development at the Institute. Research Scientists with a background in core social science disciplines such as anthropology, sociology, political economics, philosophy, Science and Technology Studies (STS), history, or other relevant fields are welcome. We also encourage applicants with engineering or computer science backgrounds who have a good understanding of social science questions and methodologies. All researchers must have a proven history of interdisciplinary, collaborative research at the juncture of social and technical systems. If you are passionate about examining the societal implications of robotics and eager to work in a state-of-the-art robotics institute, this team will be an excellent match for you! Responsibilities: - Collaborating with the team to identify areas of opportunity/interest and collectively plan team research projects. - Collaboratively designing, executing, and supporting mixed-method research studies involving data collection and analysis. - Co-managing team research projects. - Preparing and co-authoring peer-reviewed publications. - Engaging with the robotics research and development teams at the Institute. - Performing other responsibilities as necessary. Requirements: - A Master's or PhD in a relevant field. - At least 5 years of research experience. - A history of collaborative, interdisciplinary research. - Familiarity with social science methodologies, with in-depth expertise in at least one methodological approach. - Experience with designing and carrying out data-intensive research studies. - A record of peer-reviewed publishing. - Strong analytical and critical thinking skills. - Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills, ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment. Bonus: - Profound knowledge of statistics, data processing, or data science. - Experience with robotic systems. - A record of influential peer-reviewed publications in top-tier conferences and journals. - Experience working in both academic and industry research environments. These attributes are desirable but not mandatory. Lack of these should not deter prospective candidates from applying. We offer equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.