Research Manager – PIBBSS Fellowship 2025

About PIBBSS

PIBBSS is a research initiative aiming to grow the AI Safety field by fostering interdisciplinary engagement with the natural and social sciences. Our mission is to support foundational scientific contributions which would aid in the development of safe and globally beneficial AI systems.

Role Overview

We’re seeking a Research Manager to own (or co-own) the planning, execution, and evaluation of our 2025 Fellowship program. The Fellowship brings together researchers from diverse academic backgrounds to work on high-impact AI safety research for both career transition and direct research impact. While each fellow works with a dedicated project mentor, the research manager will ensure fellows have a productive and useful experience by unblocking them in critical moments and helping to guide their professional development.

Ideal Time Commitment & Structure 

• Part-time (0.5 FTE): March-May 2025 (pre-Fellowship preparation)
• Full-time: June-August 2025 (Fellowship execution)
• Part-time (0.5 FTE): September 2025 (wrap-up and evaluation)
• Total: 5 months FTE equivalent

We are open to hiring two part time managers, in which case the time would be split accordingly.

Location

• Fellowship Period (June-August): Either London or San Francisco (to be determined within the next few weeks)
• Preparation & Wrap-up: Remote

Primary Responsibilities

• Design and revise fellowship curriculum and materials
• Plan and execute opening and closing retreats
• Facilitate weekly research salons and community-building activities
• Conduct regular check-ins with fellows and mentors
• Coordinate with external speakers and partner organizations
• Evaluate program effectiveness and write comprehensive reports
• Support fellows in preparing and showcasing their research

Detailed responsibilities split by fellowship stagetime is available at this link.

Qualifications

• Mandatory:
  • Experience managing research programs or researchers
  • Strong communication or facilitation skills
  • Broad understanding of the AI risk landscape
  • A proactive spirit and proven ability to independently follow-through on complex plans
  • Proven ability to work effectively with researchers from diverse disciplines, and an interest in doing more of this (our fellows work across interpretability, philosophy, law, biology, and many more).
  • Project management experience
  • Event planning experience
• Preferred:
  • Interdisciplinary research experience ,
  • Familiarity with the PIBBSS bet
  • 5+ years of research experience
  • Previous AI safety research experience

We understand that people come from different disciplines with varied backgrounds, and encourage you to apply if you think you would be a good fit, even if your CV does not check every box. 

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $6,000-$8,000 USD per month (pre-tax, FTE equivalent) based on experience
• Accommodation: $1,000 per month during the Fellowship period (June-August)
• Meals: One or two meals provided daily during the Fellowship
• Travel: Fellowship-related travel costs (plane, train, bus tickets) will be provided

Reporting Structure

You will report directly to Dušan D. Nešić (PIBBSS Executive Team, Operations) and will be supported by:

• Lucas Teixeira (PIBBSS Executive Team, Research)
• The Horizon Scanning team

Application Process

To apply, please fill in this form by March 10th EoD AoE.

Questions?

For questions about this role, please contact Dušan D. Nešić at dusan@[this website URL]