Principal AI Ethics Researcher - Remote Focus

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Home office allowance

Professional development support

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal AI Ethics Researcher to join a remote global team. You will lead research initiatives, develop frameworks, and guide responsible AI development to ensure fairness, transparency, and societal benefit.

This role requires a PhD and at least eight years in AI ethics, with a track record of publishing and policy engagement. You will collaborate with scientists, engineers, and policymakers and mentor junior researchers from a dedicated home workspace.

Qualifications

• PhD in philosophy, law, CS, sociology or related field with ethics focus.
• Minimum 8 years of dedicated AI ethics research experience.
• Experience developing practical ethical frameworks for complex tech systems.
• Proven ability to conduct independent research and publish impactful work.
• Strong understanding of machine learning concepts and AI technologies.
• Excellent communication, presentation and collaboration skills.
• Policy analysis experience is desirable.
• Knowledge of societal implications of AI and policy context for SA is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead AI ethics research initiatives including bias, fairness, transparency and accountability.
• Develop and refine ethical guidelines, frameworks and best practices for AI deployments.
• Analyze AI algorithms to identify ethical risks and mitigation strategies.
• Collaborate with product and engineering teams to embed ethics throughout AI lifecycles.
• Engage with policymakers, academics and civil society to promote responsible AI.
• Publish research findings in top journals and present at conferences.
• Mentor junior researchers and foster an ethical AI culture.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends in AI ethics and governance.

Skills

Independent research

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Interpersonal skills

Strategic thinking

Policy analysis

Education

PhD in a relevant field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in artificial intelligence development and deployment, is seeking a highly distinguished Principal AI Ethics Researcher to join their innovative and fully remote team. This crucial role is dedicated to ensuring the responsible and ethical advancement of AI technologies. You will spearhead research initiatives, develop frameworks, and provide guidance to ensure our AI systems are fair, transparent, accountable, and beneficial to society. This is a unique opportunity to influence the ethical trajectory of AI on a global scale, working collaboratively with leading AI scientists, engineers, policymakers, and ethicists. The position is designed for an independent thinker with a strong academic background and a deep commitment to ethical principles in technology. As a remote-first role, you will be empowered to drive impactful research from your dedicated workspace, contributing to our pioneering work impacting regions like Rustenburg, North West.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead research into critical AI ethics issues, including bias, fairness, transparency, accountability, and privacy.
• Develop and refine ethical guidelines, frameworks, and best practices for AI development and deployment.
• Conduct rigorous analysis of AI algorithms and systems to identify and mitigate potential ethical risks.
• Collaborate with product teams and engineers to integrate ethical considerations throughout the AI lifecycle.
• Engage with external stakeholders, including policymakers, academics, and civil society organizations, to foster dialogue and advance responsible AI.
• Publish research findings in leading journals and present at international conferences.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to building a strong ethical AI culture within the organization.
• Stay at the forefront of emerging trends and challenges in AI ethics and governance.

Requirements

• PhD in Philosophy, Law, Computer Science, Sociology, or a related field with a strong focus on ethics, technology policy, or AI.
• Minimum of 8 years of dedicated research experience in AI ethics, technology ethics, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing practical ethical frameworks for complex technological systems.
• Proven ability to conduct independent research and publish impactful work.
• Strong understanding of machine learning principles and AI technologies.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, vital for remote collaboration and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience in policy analysis and engagement is highly desirable.
• Ability to think critically and strategically about the societal implications of AI.
• Previous involvement in research relevant to Rustenburg, North West or South African technological policy is an advantage for this remote role.

Benefits

Our client offers an exceptional compensation package, including a highly competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and comprehensive benefits tailored for remote employees. This includes top-tier health insurance, generous paid time off, a home office setup allowance, and significant support for professional development, such as attending key conferences and workshops. We foster a collaborative and intellectually stimulating remote work environment where your contributions to ethical AI are highly valued and impactful.