Remote Principal AI Ethics Researcher - Lead Responsible AI

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

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.