Principal AI Ethics Researcher

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Professional development budget

Remote position

Conference travel

Job summary

Placements24 invites applications for a Principal AI Ethics Researcher based in South Africa. This fully remote role focuses on leading ethical AI development, bias mitigation, and governance across diverse teams.

You will shape frameworks, publish policy and research outputs, and help set international standards while collaborating with engineers, policy experts, and researchers. Remote-friendly with strong communication responsibilities.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent terminal degree in a related field with a focus on AI ethics or responsible AI.
• Minimum of 7 years of research experience with publications and leadership in AI ethics or related area.
• Deep understanding of AI/ML technologies and societal implications.
• Expertise in ethical frameworks, risk assessment, and bias detection/mitigation techniques for AI systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for diverse audiences in remote settings.
• Experience collaborating with interdisciplinary teams.
• Proven ability to lead research projects and mentor junior team members.

Responsibilities

• Lead research initiatives on AI ethics, including fairness, accountability, transparency, and bias mitigation in AI systems.
• Develop methodologies and frameworks for auditing AI systems for ethical compliance.
• Collaborate with AI engineers, data scientists, and policy experts to embed ethical considerations in development.
• Author high-impact research papers, policy briefs, and technical reports.
• Present findings at international conferences and workshops.
• Advise internal teams and external stakeholders on AI ethics best practices.
• Contribute to industry standards and regulatory recommendations for responsible AI.
• Mentor junior researchers and cultivate ethical awareness.

Skills

AI ethics

Leadership

Communication

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

PhD in CS/Philosophy/Law/Public Policy

Tools

Ethical risk assessment methods

AI/ML fundamentals

Job description

About the Role Our client, a visionary technology think tank based in Mahikeng, is seeking a Principal AI Ethics Researcher to lead groundbreaking work in ensuring the responsible development and deployment of artificial intelligence. This position is fully remote, allowing you to contribute your expertise from anywhere in South Africa, fostering a flexible and inclusive work environment. You will be at the forefront of establishing ethical frameworks, guidelines, and best practices for AI systems, addressing critical issues such as bias, fairness, transparency, and accountability. This is a unique opportunity to shape the ethical landscape of AI and influence future technological advancements within a highly collaborative and intellectually stimulating setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead research initiatives on AI ethics, including fairness, accountability, transparency, and bias mitigation in AI systems.
• Develop novel methodologies and frameworks for assessing and auditing AI systems for ethical compliance.
• Collaborate with AI engineers, data scientists, and policy experts to integrate ethical considerations into the AI development lifecycle.
• Author high-impact research papers, policy briefs, and technical reports on AI ethics.
• Present research findings at leading international conferences and workshops.
• Advise internal teams and external stakeholders on AI ethics best practices and emerging challenges.
• Contribute to the development of industry standards and regulatory recommendations for responsible AI.
• Mentor junior researchers and foster a culture of ethical awareness and responsible innovation.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in Computer Science, Philosophy, Law, Public Policy, or a related field with a strong focus on AI ethics or responsible AI.
• A minimum of 7 years of research experience with a proven track record of publications and leadership in AI ethics or a closely related area.
• Deep understanding of AI/ML technologies and their societal implications.
• Expertise in ethical frameworks, risk assessment, and bias detection/mitigation techniques for AI systems.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex concepts clearly to diverse audiences in a remote setting.
• Experience collaborating with interdisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated ability to lead research projects and mentor junior team members.
• Must be legally authorized to work remotely in South Africa.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, and a generous professional development budget. As a fully remote position, you will enjoy significant flexibility and work-life balance, with support for home office setup. Opportunities for international collaboration and travel to key conferences are provided. Join a leading-edge research team dedicated to shaping a more ethical and responsible technological future from your base in South Africa.