Research Associate, AI Policy & Free Speech

The Future of Free Speech — a leading independent think tank hosted at Vanderbilt University — seeks a dedicated Research Associate with deep AI expertise to join their team in exploring the intersection of AI policy and free speech.

This Research Associate role combines technical AI analysis with policy analysis to understand how AI systems and related policies impact freedom of expression. The project will run for at least one year and aims to ensure that AI policies and practices robustly enhance and protect freedom of expression and access to information.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct research analysing AI systems’ impact on speech patterns, including how models are pre-trained, fine-tuned, and moderated.
• Research and assess AI legislation and public policies, using empirical and theoretical approaches to assess their impact on free speech.
• Contribute to evidence-based policy recommendations and research reports.
• Support the organisation of a global conference focusing on AI and free speech.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in AI and digital rights policy, with a commitment to a principled and nonpartisan culture of free expression.
• Technical understanding of AI and machine learning practices.
• Ability to work independently and deliver high-quality research.

Preferred qualifications

• At least one year of experience in the AI field, in industry, civil society, or the public sector. A PhD is not required, but researchers with relevant expertise, including PhD students, are welcome to apply.
• Expertise on freedom of expression.
• Knowledge of regulatory global approaches to content moderation and AI governance.

How to apply

The deadline for applications is December 8, 2024. To learn more and apply, please click here.