Researcher - NYU Center for Mind, Ethics, and Policy

New York University; New York (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

New York University invites applications for a Researcher in Environmental Studies/CMEP, focusing on consciousness, sentience, and welfare of AI systems. You will maintain high scholarly standards and collaborate with diverse stakeholders inside and outside academia.

Responsibilities include identifying high-impact research opportunities, engaging external partners, and producing actionable reports for policymakers and funders. Start around Jan 4, 2027; onsite, with potential extension.

Qualifications

• Strong research, analytical and communication skills.
• Ability to write clearly and edit documents for clarity.
• Excellent time and project management with multiple priorities.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Commitment to ethical research practices.

Responsibilities

• Identify opportunities for high-impact research.
• Engage with external partners such as researchers or policymakers.
• Conduct or facilitate rigorous research and ensure high scholarly standards.
• Produce clear, concise reports tailored to field leaders and funders.
• Participate in report launches and coordinate with stakeholders to boost impact.
• Stay current on field developments and provide strategic input.

Skills

Research skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Editing documents

Time management

Independent work

Team collaboration

Professionalism

Ethical research practice

Education

Advanced degree in related field

Job description

New York University: NYU - NY: Arts and Science (A&S): Environmental Studies

Location

New York, NY

Open Date

Oct 12, 2026

Deadline

Oct 21, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time

Description

The Researcher will focus on the consciousness, sentience, moral status, or welfare of AI systems for the Center for Mind, Ethics, and Policy ( CMEP ). CMEP conducts and supports foundational research on the nature and intrinsic value of nonhuman minds, including biological and digital minds (AI). Recent projects include:

• A report on taking AI welfare seriously;
• A paper about AI safety, AI welfare, and potential tensions between them; and
• A paper about social perceptions of AI consciousness.

The Researcher will be responsible for maintaining the highest scholarly standards while working collaboratively with a range of stakeholders both within and outside of academia. Successful candidates will have a background in research, project management, or both.

Responsibilities

1. Identifying opportunities for high-impact research

2. Engaging, when relevant, with external partners such as researchers or policymakers

3. Conducting or facilitating rigorous research and ensuring that the project meets the highest scholarly standards

4. Producing—or facilitating the production of—clear, concise, and actionable reports tailored to field leaders, policymakers, and funders

5. Participating in report launch events and coordinating with external stakeholders to increase each project’s impact

6. Staying up to date on current research and field-level developments

7. Providing strategic input to ensure that our centers’ research stays mission aligned

Position expectations
The start date is on or around January 4, 2027. This is a 12-month position with the possibility of extension. This is an onsite position. The successful candidate should anticipate regular meetings with CMEP Director Jeff Sebo and the research team.

In compliance with NYC’s Pay Transparency Act, the annual base salary for this position is $78,358.20. New York University considers factors such as (but not limited to) the specific grant funding and the terms of the research grant when extending an offer.

Qualifications

Required

• Strong research, analytical, and communication skills
• Ability to write clearly and precisely
• Ability to edit documents thoughtfully for content and clarity
• Excellent time and project management skills, with demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities
• Ability to work independently and on a team
• Discretion, professionalism, and a commitment to ethical research practices

Preferred

• Advanced degree in a related field, such as philosophy, neuroscience, or public policy
• Experience leading an interdisciplinary team or project
• Experience producing actionable research for policy makers, philanthropists, or other decisionmakers
• Commitment to producing socially impactful research

NYU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a policy of equal treatment and opportunity in every aspect of its recruitment and hiring process without regard to age, alienage, caregiver status, childbirth, citizenship status, color, creed, disability, domestic violence victim status, ethnicity, familial status, gender and/or gender identity or expression, marital status, military status, national origin, parental status, partnership status, predisposing genetic characteristics, pregnancy, race, religion, reproductive health decision making, sex, sexual orientation, unemployment status, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis. All interested persons are encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels.

Sustainability Statement

NYU aims to be among the greenest urban campuses in the country and carbon neutral by 2040. Learn more atnyu.edu/sustainability