About the Opportunity

About the Institute
Do you want to be part of an exciting new Institute focused on combining human and machine intelligence into working AI solutions?

We are launching a pioneering research and innovation hub in AI—one that will shape the way humans and machines collaborate for decades to come. Led by Prof. Usama Fayyad, the Institute for Experiential AI 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. Our ability to respond to the opportunities afforded to society will depend on training and building a workforce that is AI-capable and prosperous.

Founded in 1898, 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 EAI offers opportunities, an environment, and 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 and diverse community that works on high-impact research, educational, business, and societal problems.

Job Summary

During a 2-year appointment, the AI Ethicist will be working at the intersection of industry and academia. The successful candidate will be working with the Responsible AI team at Northeastern’s Institute for Experiential AI. As part of the team, they will be tasked to engage with clients and execute EAI’s Responsible AI services. These include.

• engaging in AI ethics analyses
• developing Responsible AI tools and practices
• conducting multidisciplinary research on AI ethics and responsible AI
• engaging with ethics and innovation teams 
• developing communication paths for RAI practices
• collaborating with business development team to connect with industry partners

The AI Ethicist 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 pursue practice and research Responsible AI in a multidisciplinary academic setting with practical industry engagements. 

General Minimum Qualifications, Values & Abilities Needed for this Role:
Degree: Ph.D. in philosophy, or related topics by the time of appointment. 
Qualifications: Candidates are not required to have any prior working experience, but previous experience in Responsible AI and AI Ethics are a plus; 
Skill sets (Values and Abilities): Candidates should be able to work; independently with responsible AI and AI ethics, and within multidisciplinary teams.

Additional Qualifications:
Background in relevant fields of philosophy such as applied ethics, moral philosophy, political philosophy, epistemology, philosophy of mind, or philosophy of language as applied to AI or relevant technologies;

• 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 and project statement: The research and project statement should provide an overview of your (1) past research and industry engagements, (2) your plan for future research and development in RAI, and (3) your academic and industry collaborators 
• 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 

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities;

Working on Responsible AI consulting projects, which include conducting ethics analysis of use-cases, organizational analysis for ethics readiness, conducting industry-sponsored research, and creating tools and trainings for industry partners, as well as collaborating on outreach efforts. (60%)

Building Responsible AI practices, tools, and training for EAI and for the broader industry use, which include designing tools, guidelines, workflows, and methodologies, and writing whitepapers. (25%)

Academic research and grant applications in the area of Responsible AI (15%)

Position Type

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.