Senior Legal Research Scholar
About The Position
UC Law San Francisco's Center for Innovation (C4i) and the AI Law & Innovation Institute seeks an accomplished Senior Legal Research Scholar to serve as a cornerstone of our nationally recognized academic think tank. We provide high-impact support to Congress, federal and state agencies, and major media outlets, blending rigorous research with hands-on policy engagement across three key verticals: The AI Law & Innovation Institute, The Law & Medicine Initiative, and The Startup Legal Garage. Led by Professor Robin Feldman, a nationally respected scholar frequently cited by the White House, Congress, and the Supreme Court, C4i responds to over 50 government requests annually and plays an active role in national policy conversations. This position is ideal for an experienced legal professional seeking to leverage their expertise for meaningful policy impact. You will serve as a senior resource, mentor, and thought partner—supporting Professor Feldman's research agenda while guiding a talented team of early-career research managers. This is an opportunity to transition from the demands of legal practice to impactful academic work focused on shaping law and policy at the highest levels. AI as a Strategic Priority The AI Law & Innovation Institute is significantly expanding its work on artificial intelligence law, policy, and governance. This position will play a central role in building our AI capability and establishing our voice as a leading authority on AI legal and policy questions. While deep legal expertise is essential for this role, we particularly welcome candidates who bring experience in AI policy, AI safety, AI governance, or technology law. Candidates from non-traditional backgrounds—such as AI policy roles in tech companies, AI labs, AI safety organizations, or government AI initiatives—are strongly encouraged to apply if they also possess substantial legal expertise and analytical capabilities.
Requirements
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
- Substantial legal experience (typically 5+ years) in litigation, law firms, in-house counsel roles, government positions, or policy organizations
- Demonstrated expertise in complex legal analysis and sophisticated legal writing
- Strong track record of mentoring or managing junior professionals
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Commitment to proactive mentorship and team development
- Ability to work collaboratively while elevating others' work
- Deep understanding of legal doctrine, statutory interpretation, and regulatory frameworks
- Ability to grasp and explain complex legal concepts to non-lawyers and junior researchers
- Strong project management and organizational abilities
- Proactive work style with high standards for quality and attention to detail
- Patience and skill in developing junior talent
- Comfort with ambiguity and ability to structure open-ended research questions
- Sound judgment and discretion in handling sensitive matters
Nice To Haves
- Experience in AI policy, AI safety, AI governance, or technology law
- Background working in or with tech companies, AI labs, or AI-focused policy organizations
- Experience in one or more of our other focus areas: healthcare law, pharmaceutical regulation, intellectual property
- Experience writing amicus briefs, legal opinions, or policy documents
- Background in appellate litigation or complex legal matters
- Academic writing or publication experience
- Established professional networks in legal, academic, policy, or technology communities
- Understanding of how AI systems work and their societal implications
- Commitment to long-term engagement with the Center, with a preference for candidates interested a tenure of 5 years or more.
- Knowledge of AI technology, policy landscape, and governance frameworks
- Networks within Silicon Valley, AI labs, or tech policy organizations
- Experience translating complex technical concepts for policy and legal audiences
- Public communication and media engagement skills
- Experience briefing policymakers or testifying before legislative bodies
- Low ego and genuine interest in supporting others' success
- Enthusiasm for intellectual inquiry and academic discourse
- Collaborative mindset and comfort as a co-author rather than sole author
- Commitment to long-term institutional building
- Values-driven approach to work with focus on policy impact
Responsibilities
- Co-author scholarly articles with Professor Feldman on AI law, healthcare policy, intellectual property, and pharmaceutical innovation
- Translate Professor Feldman's strategic vision into actionable research plans for the team
- Lead research initiatives resulting in publication in Top law journals
- Conduct sophisticated legal analysis on complex, novel issues at the intersection of law, technology, and policy
- Support the publication process from concept to final placement in leading journals
- Serve as intellectual thought partner to Professor Feldman on major research initiatives
- Grants and other third-party funding procurement and management
- Proactively mentor and support 5-7 junior research managers in their professional development
- Provide hands-on guidance on legal research methodology, analytical thinking, and academic writing
- Review work product at regular intervals to ensure quality and provide course correction early in the research process
- Serve as primary day-to-day resource for complex substantive questions across law, policy, and emerging technologies
- Support team members' career development, including preparation for law school and legal careers
- Create and maintain a 'zero defect' culture through shorter iteration cycles and proactive feedback
- Develop or apply deep expertise in artificial intelligence law, policy, governance, and safety
- Monitor and synthesize cutting-edge developments in AI technology and policy for the Center
- Contribute to our growing reputation as a leading voice on AI law and innovation
- Write op-eds, policy briefs, and public-facing content on AI and emerging technologies
- Build and leverage networks within the AI policy, legal, and technology communities
- Serve as a resource on AI matters for the broader team
- Build and maintain relationships within academic, policy, legal, and technology communities
- Represent the AI Law & Innovation Institute at conferences, convenings, and professional events
- Support fundraising and development efforts through credibility and professional networks
- Contribute to our institutional growth and strategic planning
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical insurance coverage
- Flexible Spending Accounts for transportation-related, healthcare and dependent care expenses
- Employee Assistance Program
- Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, and Legal Insurance
- Deferred Compensation Plans/Pre-tax Retirement Savings Programs
- Fifteen paid holidays per year
- Generous vacation and sick leave
- Commuter Benefits Program
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
