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 2-year appointment, the Postdoctoral Researcher in Responsible AI will work with the Responsible AI team at Northeastern’s Institute for Experiential AI. As part of the team, the successful candidate will be tasked to conduct research in responsible AI, especially in ways that it connects with EAI’s Responsible AI services. Depending on the candidate’s area of expertise, these may include;

• academic research in AI ethics, policy, design, or business
• producing materials to impact industry (tools, products, whitepapers)
• contributing to the EAI’s Responsible AI Framework
• applying and taking part in grants
• engaging with ethics and innovation teams

The postdoctoral researcher in responsible AI will engage with 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 at the intersection of industry and academia.

Location: Boston

Other locations may be considered 

GENERAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, VALUES & ABILITIES NEEDED FOR THIS ROLE

1. Degree: Ph.D. in philosophy, economics, public policy, design, business administration, or related topics by the time of appointment.

2. Experience: 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 work

a. independently with responsible AI, and

b. within multidisciplinary teams.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Background in relevant fields within their broader disciplines (for example; for philosophy, this includes moral and political philosophy, epistemology, philosophy of mind, etc.);

• Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities;
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills, and the willingness to work with multiple researchers, and technical staff in an interdisciplinary environment;
• Must be able to exercise judgment and discretion, and to prioritize and manage multiple tasks; 
• Excellent written and oral presentation skills for reaching audiences both in and out of one’s own field; and
• We expect scientists to establish and advocate for best practices in scientific reproducibility of all results, and to promote the ethical use of data and algorithms.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

• CV
• Cover letter: Please explain your area of interest and your reasons for applying to EAI
• Research statement: The research statement should provide an overview of your (1) past research, (2) your plan for future research, and (3) your academic and industry collaborators (if any)
• Portfolio: The portfolio must include maximum 3 items on a single PDF file that show the candidate’s previous work. This can be academic papers, non-academic writing, products developed, projects, and any relevant work to responsible AI in any medium

Position Type

Research

Additional Information

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

Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.  

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 www.northeastern.edu/diversity .