Principal AI Ethics and Safety Specialist

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and bonuses

Health and retirement benefits

Professional growth opportunities

Remote work with travel to Rustenburg

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal AI Ethics and Safety Specialist to lead the development and implementation of ethics policies for cutting-edge AI systems. The role combines technical understanding with philosophical insight to guide responsible AI deployment and governance.

You will collaborate with researchers, engineers, and product teams, assess ethical risks, and influence leadership on regulatory and societal implications of AI.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in AI Ethics, Philosophy of Technology, CS with ethics focus or related.
• Minimum 7 years experience in AI ethics, safety, fairness, or responsible AI development.
• Strong understanding of AI/ML concepts and development practices.
• Experience developing and implementing ethical frameworks or policies in technical contexts.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills for diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Develop, refine, and implement AI ethics and safety policies and guidelines across the organization.
• Conduct ethical risk assessments for new AI models, products, and applications.
• Collaborate with researchers, engineers, and product managers to integrate ethics throughout development lifecycle.
• Advise leadership on regulatory landscapes related to AI ethics and safety.
• Design and deliver training on AI ethics for technical and non-technical staff.
• Engage with policymakers, academics, and civil society on AI ethics issues.
• Investigate biases and unintended consequences in AI systems and address them.
• Contribute to industry best practices and standards in AI ethics and safety.
• Stay updated on developments in AI ethics, FAccT, and related areas.
• Champion a culture of ethical awareness within the AI team.

Skills

Policy development

Analytical thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Ethics & AI knowledge

Education

Master's or PhD in AI Ethics / Philosophy of Technology / CS with ethics focus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in artificial intelligence development, is seeking a visionary Principal AI Ethics and Safety Specialist to join their pioneering team in Rustenburg, North West . This critical role will involve shaping and implementing policies and frameworks to ensure the responsible and ethical development and deployment of advanced AI systems. The ideal candidate will possess a unique blend of technical understanding, philosophical insight, and practical experience in navigating the complex ethical landscape of AI. You will be at the forefront of ensuring that AI technologies benefit humanity while mitigating potential risks and biases, contributing to a safer and more equitable technological future.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, refine, and implement comprehensive AI ethics and safety policies and guidelines across the organization.
• Conduct rigorous ethical risk assessments for new AI models, products, and applications.
• Collaborate closely with AI researchers, engineers, and product managers to integrate ethical considerations throughout the AI development lifecycle.
• Advise leadership on emerging ethical challenges and regulatory landscapes related to AI.
• Design and deliver training programs on AI ethics and responsible AI practices for technical and non-technical staff.
• Engage with external stakeholders, including policymakers, academics, and civil society organizations, on AI ethics and safety issues.
• Investigate and address potential biases, fairness issues, and unintended consequences in AI systems.
• Contribute to the development of industry best practices and standards for AI ethics and safety.
• Stay abreast of the latest research and developments in AI ethics, AI safety, fairness, accountability, and transparency (FAccT).
• Champion a culture of ethical awareness and responsibility within the AI development community.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in a relevant field such as AI Ethics, Philosophy of Technology, Computer Science (with an ethics focus), Law, or Public Policy.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience focused on AI ethics, AI safety, algorithmic fairness, or responsible AI development.
• Deep understanding of AI/ML concepts, principles, and common development practices.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing ethical frameworks or policies in a technical context.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to identify and evaluate complex ethical dilemmas.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams in a technology-driven environment.
• Familiarity with relevant legal and regulatory frameworks impacting AI.
• Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders and drive change.
• Passion for ensuring AI is developed and used for the benefit of society.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive compensation package, including a substantial base salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance are provided, along with generous retirement planning options.
• Employees benefit from significant opportunities for professional growth, including access to cutting-edge research, specialized training, and participation in global forums.
• The role is primarily remote, offering flexibility and work-life balance, with occasional travel to Rustenburg, North West , for key meetings.
• Join a forward-thinking organization dedicated to shaping a responsible AI future and enjoy a rewarding career at the intersection of technology and ethics.