Researcher, Policy

Thinking Machines Lab•San Francisco, CA

8h•$240,000 - $360,000

About The Position

Thinking Machines is seeking a policy researcher to investigate the policies needed as AI advances, with particular attention to the company’s human-centered vision and technical direction. Because much existing AI policy research assumes a centralized technical paradigm with humans out of the loop, this role will help develop new policy thinking in an emerging area. The researcher will help shape the policy research agenda, assess the novel impacts and challenges of the company’s technical direction, and turn promising ideas into concrete policy frameworks and experiments for technical teams and the broader industry. The role works closely with the broader policy research ecosystem to understand the implications of the company’s vision for AI and research proposals that support its mission. It may suit someone who can think across technology, policy, economics, and safety.

Requirements

Experience conducting original research on AI governance, technology policy, economics, political economy, emerging technology, or another field relevant to AI’s societal impacts.
Ability to work with technical researchers and translate between technical details, societal impacts, and policy design.
A degree in history, politics, economics, international affairs, artificial intelligence, or a related discipline.
Clear communication skills, including the ability to explain complex governance topics to audiences with little context.
Comfort operating under uncertainty and developing views on questions with little established literature or consensus.

Nice To Haves

Authored independent publications, such as magazine articles or Substacks, that generated significant discourse in the AI governance community.
Deep technical understanding of AI that informs governance thinking.
Ability to run experiments with quantitative components, such as economic models.
Experience collaborating across academic, industry, and nonprofit policy communities.
Experience working on open-weights safety or policy.

Responsibilities

Develop the policy research agenda in collaboration with leadership and technical teams, focusing on open-weight models, customization, and human-AI collaboration.
Proactively establish the company’s views on policy topics, including long-term safety, societal impacts, and future legislation.
Analyze existing AI policy proposals and identify gaps the company is best positioned to address.
Produce internal and public-facing policy research that introduces new frameworks and provides a foundation for others.
Build relationships with think tanks, policy organizations, and academic AI governance communities.
Design external research partnerships, including commissioned research, grants programs, or convenings.