Research Manager, AIxBio (Part-time)

Cambridge Boston Alignment Initiative•Cambridge, MA

46d•Hybrid

About The Position

This is a part-time position designed for researchers, postdoctoral fellows, or professionals who want to contribute to the AIxBio fellowship while maintaining other commitments. The Cambridge Boston Alignment Initiative (CBAI) is a nonprofit research organization working to advance research and education directed towards ensuring that society navigates a safe and beneficial transition to advanced AI systems. CBAI produces original research efforts and accelerates AI safety research through fellowship programs. Following the successful launch of their AI Safety Research Fellowship, CBAI is launching the inaugural AIxBio Research Fellowship, focusing on the intersection of AI and biosecurity. The role involves working closely with fellows, mentors, biosecurity researchers, AI safety researchers, and domain experts to support cutting-edge work in AI and biosecurity. This could include capability evaluations on biological systems, regulatory frameworks for mitigating dual-use research risks, or other research agendas related to AI-enabled biosecurity threats. The position is open to candidates with technical research experience or policy and governance research experience. The scope and compensation can be adjusted for the right fit.

Requirements

Experience supporting complex intellectual work (e.g., teaching, managing technical teams, conducting own research, consulting, coordinating academic programs).
Substantial analytical work experience (academia, policy analysis, consulting, or industry research).
Familiarity with biosecurity, AI safety, or the intersection of the two (through research, policy work, or adjacent professional experience).
Skilled at giving constructive criticism that moves work forward.
Ability to help people strengthen arguments, tighten methodology, and present findings clearly.
Excellent communication skills, including explaining complex concepts clearly and giving constructive feedback effectively.
Proactive check-ins when unsure about something or noticing a potential problem.
Genuine empathy, active listening skills, and a servant leadership approach.
Enjoy helping others succeed and take pride in their accomplishments.
Strong alignment with CBAI's mission and care about the biosecurity risks posed by transformative AI systems.
Passion for building the field.
Organized and conscientious, keeping complex projects on track, following through reliably, and maintaining clear communication.
Receptive to feedback and continuously improving approach.
Bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field, Computer Science, Biology, or related disciplines.
Research or policy experience demonstrating strong methodological knowledge and a genuine interest in AI x biosecurity.
U.S. work authorization required (OPT accepted).

Nice To Haves

Published research or policy work in biosecurity, AI safety, or adjacent areas.
Previous involvement in AI safety, biosecurity, or field-building programs.
Experience managing research programs or academic initiatives.

Responsibilities

Conduct frequent 1-1s with fellows, providing feedback on research progress and helping them overcome obstacles, including debugging research designs, preparing literature scaffolds, and supporting data collection, analysis, and methodology development.
Provide substantive feedback on fellow research and help CBAI create an environment that nudges fellows toward rigor and clarity.
Connect fellows with resources, literature, and opportunities relevant to AI x biosecurity during and after the fellowship.
Communicate with fellows' mentors to define clear research objectives and support fellows' research progression.
Contribute to fellow selection by reviewing and interviewing candidates to ensure the cohort has strong epistemics and a relevant background.
Contribute to the design of reading groups, workshops, and supplementary programming for the AIxBio cohort.
Support special projects aligned with your strengths, such as applicant selection, evaluation frameworks, or mentor onboarding.
Meet weekly with program leadership to enhance feedback loops and continuously improve the program.
Stay current on developments at the intersection of AI and biosecurity relevant to your fellows' work.
Prepare periodic briefs on recent developments in the field for fellows.