Location: Nashville, Remote, or Hybrid
Type: Full-time
Overview:
The Future of Free Speech — a leading independent think tank hosted at Vanderbilt University — seeks a dedicated researcher with deep AI expertise to join our team in exploring the intersection of AI policy and free speech. This role combines technical AI analysis with policy analysis to understand how AI systems and related policies impact freedom of expression. The project will run for at least one year and aims to ensure that AI policies and practices robustly enhance and protect freedom of expression and access to information.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design and conduct research analyzing AI systems’ impact on speech patterns, including how models are pre-trained, fine-tuned, and moderated.
- Research and assess AI legislation and public policies, using empirical and theoretical approaches to assess their impact on free speech.
- Contribute to evidence-based policy recommendations and research reports.
- Support the organization of a global conference focusing on AI and free speech.
Why Join Us?
- Join a growing, start-up-minded nonprofit hosted at a top-ranked university at the forefront of research on AI and freedom of expression. We are staunchly committed to fostering a principled and nonpartisan culture of free expression.
- Gain invaluable insights into global AI policies and examine their impact across regions, shaping the conversation on these critical issues.
- Opportunities to author and co-author reports, articles, and op-eds.
- Develop a global network of AI experts, enhancing your professional reach and impact.
- Organize and attend leading conferences and discussions on AI and freedom of expression.
- Become part of a dynamic, international team that values flexibility and empowers you to work on your own terms.
Qualifications:
- Proven experience in AI and digital rights policy, with a commitment to a principled and nonpartisan culture of free expression.
- Technical understanding of AI and machine learning practices.
- Ability to work independently and deliver high-quality research.
Preferred Qualifications:
- At least one year of experience in the AI field, in industry, civil society, or the public sector. A PhD is not required, but researchers with relevant expertise, including PhD students, are welcome to apply.
- Expertise on freedom of expression.
- Knowledge of regulatory global approaches to content moderation and AI governance.
Compensation:
- Commensurate with qualifications
Benefits Include:
- Generous Paid Time Off (PTO), plus 14 paid holidays, including a Winter Break during the week between Christmas and New Year’s.
- Comprehensive retirement plan (available after six months of employment).
- Paid parental leave (available after one year of employment).
How to Apply:
Interested candidates must submit a resume, a concise statement of interest, and any relevant work samples to contact@futurefreespeech.com. Please use the subject line: “Researcher – AI Policy & Free Speech – [Your Name].” Applications will be accepted until December 8, 2024, and reviewed on a rolling basis.
All candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.
About The Future of Free Speech
The Future of Free Speech is an independent, nonpartisan think tank located at Vanderbilt University. We work to restore a resilient global culture of free speech in the digital age through knowledge, research, and advocacy. The Future of Free Speech is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
The Future of Free Speech is an equal-opportunity employer and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds.