Research Manager, AIxBio (Part-time)

Cambridge Boston Alignment Initiative•Cambridge, MA

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Cambridge Boston Alignment Initiative (CBAI) is a nonprofit research organization dedicated to advancing research and education for a safe and beneficial transition to advanced AI systems. CBAI produces original research and accelerates AI safety research through fellowship programs. Following the successful launch of the AI Safety Research Fellowship, CBAI is expanding by launching the inaugural AIxBio Research Fellowship, focusing on the intersection of AI and biosecurity. This part-time role is designed for researchers, postdoctoral fellows, or professionals who want to contribute to the AIxBio fellowship while maintaining other commitments. The Research Manager will collaborate with fellows, mentors, biosecurity researchers, AI safety researchers, and domain experts to support cutting-edge work in AI and biosecurity, including capability evaluations, regulatory frameworks for dual-use research risks, and other research agendas related to AI-enabled biosecurity threats. Both technical research and policy/governance research backgrounds are welcome, with flexibility to adjust the role's scope and compensation for the right candidate.

Requirements

Experience supporting complex intellectual work, such as teaching, managing technical teams, conducting research, consulting, or coordinating academic programs.
Substantial analytical work experience in 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, even outside core expertise.
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.
Mission-motivated with strong alignment with CBAI's mission and care for biosecurity risks posed by transformative AI systems.
Organized and conscientious, able to keep complex projects on track, follow through reliably, and maintain 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.