Research Manager, AIxBio

Cambridge Boston Alignment Initiative•Cambridge, MA

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

Cambridge Boston Alignment Initiative (CBAI) is seeking a Research Manager for its AIxBio program. This role involves supporting fellows and mentors in cutting-edge research at the intersection of AI and biosecurity. Responsibilities include conducting 1-1s with fellows, providing feedback on research, connecting fellows with resources, communicating with mentors, and contributing to fellow selection. The role also includes program management and development, such as designing reading groups and workshops, supporting special projects, and staying current on AI and biosecurity developments. CBAI is open to candidates with technical research experience or policy and governance research experience, and is flexible on scope and compensation for the right fit.

Requirements

Experience supporting complex intellectual work, helping others execute complex analytical or research projects through teaching, managing technical teams, conducting own research, consulting, or coordinating academic programs.
Substantial analytical work experience in academia, policy analysis, consulting, or industry research.
Ability to recognize when a research plan is solid vs. hand-wavy, identify blockers in someone's thinking, and suggest concrete next steps.
Meaningful exposure to 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, helping people strengthen arguments, tighten methodology, and present findings clearly.
Excellent communication skills, ability to explain complex concepts clearly and give 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.