Research Associate

Stanford University; Palo Alto (CA); Hybrid; USD 108,000 - 128,000; Full time

Job summary

Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI (HAI) is seeking a Research Associate to maintain and enhance the Global AI Vibrancy Tool and support the annual AI Index report. You will monitor research, collect and validate data, consult experts, and author technical sections of the report.

Two-year fixed-term position with potential for extension, hybrid work, and collaboration with a cross-disciplinary team focused on measuring AI progress and identifying gaps and opportunities.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in a quantitative or technical field, or equivalent depth of relevant experience.
• Working knowledge of the current AI landscape, including foundation models, evaluation and benchmarking, and how AI progress is measured.
• Proficiency with statistical analysis and data visualization tools such as Python, R, SQL, Tableau, or comparable platforms.
• Experience working with large, messy datasets from multiple external sources, including reconciling different formats and definitions.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and develop new or modifications of usable data from complex data sources. Assess and produce relevant, standard, or custom information (reports, charts, graphs, and tables) from structured data sources by querying data repositories and generating the associated information.
• Devise methods for identifying patterns and trends in available information sources using a variety of qualitative and quantitative techniques. Determine and recommend additional data collection and reporting requirements.
• Design and customize reports based on data in the database. Distribute and disseminate reports to applicable agencies, researchers, management, and other internal end-users.
• Create non-routine databases and generate related information summaries.
• Perform statistical analyses appropriate to complex data and reporting requirements.
• Serve as a resource for non-routine inquiries such as requests for statistics or surveys.
• Lead the implementation of data standards and common data elements for data collection.
• Collaborate with technical staff to standardize and systemize routine reports, dashboards, and metrics.
• May test prototype software and participate in the approval and release process for new software.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Data quality assessment

Clear technical writing

Strong communication skills

Leadership

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Python

R

SQL

Tableau

Job description

SCHOOL/UNIT DESCRIPTION

The Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI) is an established research institute within the Dean of Research. As an independent research institute, HAI’s mission is to advance AI research, education, policy and practice to improve the human condition. The AI Index is an independent initiative at the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence. It is guided by the AI Index Steering Committee, an interdisciplinary group of experts from across academia and industry, and produced by a dedicated research team.The AI Index Report tracks, collates, distills, and visualizes data related to artificial intelligence. Its mission is to provide independent, rigorously vetted, and globally sourced data and analysis that helps policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, journalists, and the public understand AI’s trajectory and make informed decisions.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the AI Index Research Manager, the research associate will maintain and enhance the Global AI Vibrancy Tool and support the research behind the annual AI Index report, including monitoring new research in the field, collecting and validating data, consulting outside experts, and writing technical sections of the report. In this role, there will be the opportunity to help the Index measure the state of AI more fully by surfacing gaps, trends, and new measurement opportunities. We are hiring one (1) full time (100% FTE), benefits-eligible, fixed-term research associate for two (2) years. Potential for an extension following initial 2 years, contingent upon additional funding commitments and/or programmatic needs.

WORK SCHEDULE

Work Schedule: Hybrid work arrangement

BUDGETED SALARY

$108,002-$128,138

PREFERRED/DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Graduate degree in a quantitative or technical field, or equivalent depth of relevant experienceWorking knowledge of the current AI landscape, including foundation models, evaluation and benchmarking, and how AI progress is measuredProficiency with statistical analysis and data visualization tools such as Python, R, SQL, Tableau, or comparable platforms.Experience working with large, messy datasets from multiple external sources, including reconciling different formats and definitionsStrong judgment about data quality, comparability, and when sources can and cannot be comparedClear technical writing, with a track record of published or public-facing analytical workSelf-directed and comfortable with ambiguity in a fast-moving fieldResponsibilities

Core Duties

• Evaluate and develop new or modifications of usable data fromcomplex data sources. Assess and produce relevant, standard, or custominformation (reports, charts, graphs, and tables) from structured datasources by querying data repositories and generating the associatedinformation.
• Devise methods for identifying patterns and trends in availableinformation sources using a variety of qualitative and quantitativetechniques. Determine and recommend additional data collection andreporting requirements.
• Design and customize reports based on data in the database.Distribute and disseminate reports to applicable agencies, researchers,management, and other internal end-users.
• Create non-routine databases and generate related informationsummaries.
• Perform statistical analyses appropriate to complex data andreporting requirements.
• Serve as a resource for non-routine inquiries such as requestsfor statistics or surveys.
• Lead the implementation of data standards and common dataelements for data collection.
• Collaborate with technical staff to standardize and systemizeroutine reports, dashboards, and metrics.
• May test prototype software and participate in the approval andrelease process for new software.

Minimum Education

Bachelor’s degree.

Minimum Experience

Three years of relevant experience or combination of educationandrelevant experience. Experience in a quantitative discipline such aseconomics, finance, statistics, or engineering.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• In-depth knowledge and experience using and applying analyticalsoftware, database management system software, database reportingsoftware, database user interface and query software, and data miningsoftware.
• Demonstrated ability to collect data using a variety of methods,such as data mining and hardcopy or electronic documentation study, to improve or expand databases.
• Intermediate statistical ability.
• Strong listening, verbal, and written communicationskills.
• Ability to manage multiple activities in a deadline-orientedenvironment; highly organized, flexible, and rigorous attention todetail.
• Ability to use logic to calculate data; efficiently construct adatabase or scrutinize the form of a question.
• Ability to work with data of varying levels of quality andvalidity.
• Demonstrated ability to produce data in a clear andunderstandable manner meeting user requirements.
• Ability to work effectively with multiple internal and externalcustomers.
• Ability to take a leadership role on projects and withusers/clients.