Director of Research - Digital Safety Research Institute (DSRI)

UL Research Institutes • Washington DC, DC

4d • Remote

About The Position

The Director of Research for the Digital Safety Research Institute (DSRI) leads research and engineering activities focused on advanced methodologies and prototyping tools for agile AI and digital system assessments. The role establishes partnerships across industry, government, standards development and certification organizations, and AI safety teams to develop and advance the digital assessment ecosystem. It also leads the transition of DSRI methodologies and prototype tools to partners for further development and deployment.

The Director hires, leads, and develops researchers and engineers; manages research projects, deliverables, budgets, and timelines; and develops proposals for projects supporting DSRI’s AI and digital safety mission. In collaboration with DSRI’s Executive Director, the Director defines research quality KPIs, contributes to strategic planning and annual budgeting, and reviews proposals for technical merit and feasibility. The role communicates research findings to partners, stakeholders, and researchers through written and verbal channels, including presentations, expert panels, and policy committees.

This is a remote position at UL Research Institutes, a nonprofit organization conducting independent safety science research and advancing knowledge, safety education, public outreach, and standards. The organization describes its work as collaborative and guided by the values of collaboration, respect, integrity, and beneficence.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Computer Science or a related discipline.
• At least 10 years of experience.
• Proven track record in research project management, test generation, and evaluation.
• Experience managing and/or mentoring distributed AI and digital research and engineering teams.
• Expertise in AI/systems and advanced testing methodologies.
• Problem-solving ability, including identifying root causes, developing practical solutions, and collaborating to resolve roadblocks.
• Leadership skills to align stakeholders and deliver results.
• Collaborative attitude and interpersonal skills to work effectively with staff across the organization.
• Curiosity and a continuous-learning mentality.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and enthusiasm for engaging stakeholders with the organization’s mission and goals.
• Ability to work at both strategic and operational levels, with attention to detail, quality, speed, and outcomes, and willingness to lead and execute.

Responsibilities

• Lead research and engineering activities developing advanced methodologies and prototype tools for agile AI and digital system assessments.
• Establish partnerships with industry, government, standards development organizations, certification organizations, and AI safety teams to design and prototype assessment tools.
• Lead the transition of DSRI methodologies and prototype tools to partner organizations for further development and deployment.
• Hire, lead, and develop a high-performing team of researchers and engineers.
• Work with the DSRI Executive Director to define KPIs measuring the quality of AI and digital safety research.
• Manage research projects and ensure deliverables meet desired KPIs, timelines, and budgets.
• Develop research proposals, budgets, and timelines for projects advancing DSRI’s mission.
• Review and approve or reject proposals based on technical or analytical merit and project feasibility.
• Communicate research findings to transition partners, stakeholders, and researchers through written and verbal communications, presentations, expert panels, or policy committees.
• Collaborate with the DSRI Executive Director on strategic planning and annual budget processes.

Benefits

• Bonus compensation eligibility for all employees.
• Medical insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Life insurance.
• 401(k) matching of up to 5% of eligible pay.
• An additional 4% retirement-fund contribution after the first year of continuous employment.
• Potential flexible working arrangements, depending on role and discussion with manager.
• Paid time off, including vacation, holidays, sick days, and volunteer days.
• Targeted development, reward, and recognition programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree