Biology PhD - AI Safety Expert

Obsidian; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

Obsidian is hiring PhD-level biologists in New York to enhance the safety of advanced AI models. You'll write expert-level prompts and evaluate model responses for scientific accuracy across various life science topics.

Key qualifications include a PhD in related fields and strong scientific reasoning. This part-time role offers flexibility and a commitment of 15 to 25 hours per week, potentially escalating to 40 hours.

Qualifications

• Ongoing or completed PhD in molecular biology, microbiology, virology, genetics, biochemistry, bioinformatics, synthetic biology, or immunology.
• Experience with modern laboratory and computational techniques.

Responsibilities

• Write expert-level prompts across specialized life-science topics.
• Evaluate and annotate model responses for scientific accuracy.
• Classify prompts and conversations using structured guidelines.

Skills

Strong scientific reasoning and writing in English

Deep familiarity with laboratory techniques

Sound judgment around biosecurity

Education

PhD in biology or a closely related field

Job description

About the role

We're hiring PhD‑level biologists to help make advanced AI models safer. You'll apply your scientific expertise to evaluate and strengthen how these models handle specialized life‑science topics. No prior AI/ML experience is required — we'll train you on the workflow.

Responsibilities

• Write expert‑level prompts across specialized life‑science topics.
• Evaluate and annotate model responses for scientific accuracy, helpfulness, and appropriate handling of sensitive content.
• Apply structured guidelines to classify prompts and conversations.

What we're looking for

• A PhD in biology or a closely related life‑science field — ongoing or completed (e.g., molecular biology, microbiology, virology, genetics, biochemistry, bioinformatics, synthetic biology, immunology).
• Deep familiarity with modern laboratory and computational techniques in your subfield.
• Strong scientific reasoning and writing in English.
• Sound judgment around biosecurity and the responsible handling of dual‑use information.

Nice to have

• Research or coursework touching on biosafety/biosecurity, pathogen biology, or gain‑of‑function considerations.
• Experience reviewing, grading, or red‑teaming technical content.

Project Timeline

• Start date: Immediate
• Commitment: Part‑time (15–25 hours/week, with flexibility up to 40 hours/week)