New

AI Policy Researcher

Johns Hopkins University
United States, D.C., Washington
Jun 17, 2025
Gillian K. Hadfield is an AI researcher focused on the technical and policy challenge of ensuring that AI is built in safe and aligned ways that promote human well-being across the globe. She has recently joined Johns Hopkins University, where she is the Bloomberg Distinguished Professor of AI Alignment and Governance in the School of Government and Policy and of the Department of Computer Science at the Whiting School of Engineering. Hadfield is also a Canada CIFAR AI Chair at the Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence and a Schmidt Sciences AI2050 Senior Fellow. Hadfield's research is focused on innovative design for legal and regulatory systems for AI and other complex global technologies; computational models of human normative systems; and working with machine learning researchers to build ML systems that understand and respond to human norms. She is known globally for her work on AI alignment, governance and safety and serves as a founding trustee of the Cooperative AI Foundation, a member of the founding Steering Committee for the International Association for Safe and Ethical AI, and an advisor to and participant in the International Dialogues on AI Safety. Professor Hadfield is seeking a dynamic and knowledgeable *AI Policy Researcherto support the ongoing work she is undertaking in the fields of AI safety and governance through knowledge translation, policy research and analysis, and stakeholder outreach. This role will involve conducting in-depth research on AI technologies' legal and social implications, with a strong emphasis on producing high-quality research reports, policy recommendations, and white papers that inform and shape effective governance frameworks. The successful candidate will work closely with Professor Hadfield and her collaborators to explore innovative regulatory frameworks and governance models. Applicants should include a cover letter addressing your interest in Professor Hadfield's AI safety and governance work and your experience distilling information from technical sources into communications products. The AI Policy Researcher may work from either Baltimore or Washington, DC offices. Specific Duties & Responsibilities* Research & Analysis Lead and support research initiatives that analyze the impact of AI technologies on social systems and design innovative methods for adapting economic and social governance to AI development. A special focus will be on translating technical research into policy proposals and collaborating with technical researchers on policy implementation. Prepare comprehensive research reports, policy briefs, and white papers that articulate findings and present actionable recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders. Design, conduct, and analyze empirical studies related to AI policy, governance frameworks, and regulatory needs. Translate complex technical research findings into accessible and actionable policy proposals for diverse audiences, including policymakers, industry stakeholders, and academics. Policy Development & Advocacy Prepare and publish policy briefs, research reports, and white papers with a focus on recommendations for improving AI governance and safety. Evaluate and critique existing policies, identify regulatory gaps, and propose innovative frameworks to address the challenges of AI alignment and ethics. Advocate for AI governance best practices through collaborative engagement with industry leaders, academic researchers, and government bodies, representing Professor Hadfield's work in public and professional settings. Project & Stakeholder Management Serve as a liaison between Professor Hadfield's lab and external collaborators, coordinating interdisciplinary research efforts in law, social sciences, and technology. Organize and lead presentations, workshops, and public forums to disseminate research findings and foster dialogue on AI governance. Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timelines are met and resources are effectively allocated. Collaboration & Knowledge Exchange Collaborate with policymakers, industry leaders, and an interdisciplinary group of academic researchers, including computer science, law, and policy experts, to advocate for best practices in AI governance and safety, ensuring that research is effectively communicated. Facilitate knowledge sharing within Professor Hadfield's team and with external partners to enhance the impact of research on policy outcomes. Engage with various audiences through presentations, workshops, and public forums to disseminate research findings and promote dialogue on AI governance issues. Special Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Familiarity with current AI technologies, ethical implications, and governance frameworks, including knowledge of algorithmic accountability and transparency. Experience with both qualitative and quantitative research methods, and proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Python, R, SPSS). Proven track record of conducting research in AI safety, governance, or related areas, with publications in peer-reviewed journals or policy reports. Familiarity with current AI technologies, ethical implications, and governance frameworks, including knowledge of algorithmic accountability and transparency. Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of engaging diverse audiences, including academic, policy, and public sectors. Ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's Degree in related discipline. Five years related experience, including demonstrated supervisory or lead responsibilities. Demonstrated experience in AI safety or governance research, with a history of publication in peer-reviewed journals or policy reports. Preferred Qualifications Related Master's or J.D. preferred. Direct experience in policy advocacy, with engagement or partnerships with governmental or regulatory bodies. Familiarity with interdisciplinary approaches to AI research, especially collaboration between technology and social sciences. Demonstrated expertise in AI alignment challenges, governance frameworks, or machine learning interpretability. Experience in policy advocacy or engagement with governmental and regulatory bodies is a plus. Classified Title: Research Program Manager Job Posting Title (Working Title):AI Policy Researcher Role/Level/Range: ACRP/04/MD Starting Salary Range: $55,800 - $97,600 Annually ($90,000 targeted; Commensurate w/exp.) Employee group: Full Time Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm FLSA Status:Exempt Location: Hybrid/Washington DC/Baltimore Department name: HADFIELD LAB Personnel area: School of Government & Policy Total Rewards The referenced base salary range represents the low and high end of Johns Hopkins University's salary range for this position. Not all candidates will be eligible for the upper end of the salary range. Exact salary will ultimately depend on multiple factors, which may include the successful candidate's geographic location, skills, work experience, market conditions, education/training and other qualifications. Johns Hopkins offers a total rewards package that supports our employees' health, life, career and retirement. More information can be found here: https://hr.jhu.edu/benefits-worklife/. Education and Experience Equivalency Please refer to the job description above to see which forms of equivalency are permitted for this position. If permitted, equivalencies will follow these guidelines: JHU Equivalency Formula: 30 undergraduate degree credits (semester hours) or 18 graduate degree credits may substitute for one year of experience. Additional related experience may substitute for required education on the same basis. For jobs where equivalency is permitted, up to two years of non-related college course work may be applied towards the total minimum education/experience required for the respective job. Applicants Completing Studies Applicants who do not meet the posted requirements but are completing their final academic semester/quarter will be considered eligible for employment and may be asked to provide additional information confirming their academic completion date. Background Checks The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check. Johns Hopkins is committed to hiring individuals with a justice-involved background, consistent with applicable policies and current practice. A prior criminal history does not automatically preclude candidates from employment at Johns Hopkins University. In accordance with applicable law, the university will review, on an individual basis, the date of a candidate's conviction, the nature of the conviction and how the conviction relates to an essential job-related qualification or function. Diversity and Inclusion The Johns Hopkins University values diversity, equity and inclusion and advances these through our key strategic framework, the JHU Roadmap on Diversity and Inclusion. Equal Opportunity Employer All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. EEOis the Law https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf Accommodation Information If you are interested in applying for employment with The Johns Hopkins University and require special assistance or accommodation during any part of the pre-employment process, please contact the Talent Acquisition Office at jhurecruitment@jhu.edu. For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711. For more information about workplace accommodations or accessibility at Johns Hopkins University, please visit https://accessibility.jhu.edu/. Vaccine Requirements Johns Hopkins University strongly encourages, but no longer requires, at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.The COVID-19 vaccine does not apply to positions located in the State of Florida. We still require all faculty, staff, and students to receive the seasonal flu vaccine. Exceptions to the COVID and flu vaccine requirements may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons. Requests for an exception must be submitted to the JHU vaccination registry.This change does not apply to the School of Medicine (SOM). SOM hires must be fully vaccinated with an FDA COVID-19 vaccination and provide proof of vaccination status. For additional information, applicants for SOM positions should visit https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine/and all other JHU applicants should visit https://covidinfo.jhu.edu/health-safety/covid-vaccination-information/. The following additional provisions may apply, depending upon campus. Your recruiter will advise accordingly. The pre-employment physical for positions in clinical areas, laboratories, working with research subjects, or involving community contact requires documentation of immune status against Rubella (German measles), Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis B and documentation of having received the Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccination. This may include documentation of having two (2) MMR vaccines; two (2) Varicella vaccines; or antibody status to these diseases from laboratory testing. Blood tests for immunities to these diseases are ordinarily included in the pre-employment physical exam except for those employees who provide results of blood tests or immunization documentation from their own health care providers. Any vaccinations required for these diseases will be given at no cost in our Occupational Health office.