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Research Scholar (6256U) 75862

About Berkeley

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As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value.

We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.

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Departmental Overview

The Berkeley Risk & Security Lab (BRSL) at the UC Berkeley's Goldman School of Public Policy is an academic research center focused on the intersection of technology and security. The Lab conducts analytical research, designs and fields wargames, and engages with policy-makers and stakeholders in government, private industry, and civil society. A common theme throughout our research is examining how new technologies and capabilities-from dual-use technologies to those designed for military applications-might impact strategic stability and the prospects for international peace and security.

The Berkeley Risk and Security Lab is seeking a research scholar to focus on the lab's growing artificial intelligence portfolio. In particular, the research scholar will be expected to work with researchers at BRSL and other AI-focused entities on campus on matters of AI risk, governance, safety, and redteaming, as well as collaborate with technical teams assessing the capabilities and vulnerabilities of AI systems. The research scholar will play a critical and active role in shaping a research agenda in this domain, and will be responsible for laying the foundations for an on-going program of investigation.

The role is well suited for candidates with a technical background who are interested in making connections between technical AI developments and their implications on policy, politics, and society. The scholar will have opportunities to propose and implement research projects that align with the Laboratory's programming.

The research scholar will work closely with BRSL's Faculty and Lab Directors, affiliated Berkeley faculty, and external collaborators to conduct scholarly research and contribute to ongoing policy debates. The scholar will be expected to produce novel research results communicated in academic publications, lead research workshops or other convening on the topic of their research, and participate in the relevant academic conferences and policy conversations.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is March 17, 2025

Responsibilities

Research

• Approximately 60% of the research scholar's time will be dedicated towards original research, including: research design; authoring and co-authoring BRSL reports, op-eds, and peer-reviewed publications; compiling literature reviews; and conducting data collection and analysis.

Research Workshops and Event Coordination

• Approximately 20% of the research scholar's time will be dedicated towards designing and leading workshops focused on the scholar's, and the lab's, research agenda, as well as organizing other research focused in-person and virtual events.

Attending workshops, conferences, and other external engagements

• Approximately 10% of the research scholar's time will be dedicated to attending workshops, conferences, and other external engagements related to their research agenda.

Policy Engagement

• Approximately 5% of the research scholar's time will be dedicated to engaging with and briefing policy makers and other key research stakeholders.

Other Duties as Assigned

• This position is required to do annual mandated training.


• This position is not eligible for 100% remote work.


• Occasional travel and/or evening and weekend hours may be required.

Required Qualifications

• Working knowledge of research function.


• Working skills in statistical analysis, systems programming, database design and data security measures.


• Working skills in analysis and consultation.


• Skills to communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner both verbally and in writing.


• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training

Salary & Benefits

This is a full-time, 18-month contract position. Extension is possible with continued funding.

This position is eligible for the full range of UC Benefits. For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $34.77 - $48.28.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Misconduct Disclosure

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. For more information about your rights as an applicant, please see the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission poster.

The University of California's Affirmative Action policy.

The University of California's Anti-Discrimination policy.


To apply, visit https://careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psc/ucb/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&JobOpeningId=75862&PostingSeq=1&SiteId=21&languageCd=ENG&FOCUS=Applicant