Researcher - NYU Center for Mind, Ethics, and Policy

Position Description

The Researcher will operate as a project manager for the Center for Mind, Ethics, and Policy (CMEP). CMEP conducts and supports foundational research on the nature and intrinsic value of nonhuman minds, including biological and digital minds (AI). Recent projects include:

• The Moral Circle, a book by Director Jeff Sebo
• A report on taking AI welfare seriously;
• A perspective on evaluating animal consciousness;
• A paper about AI safety, AI welfare, and potential tensions between them; and
• A paper about social perceptions of AI consciousness.

The Researcher will be responsible for maintaining the highest scholarly standards while working collaboratively with a range of stakeholders both within and outside of academia. Successful candidates will have a background in research, project management, or both.

Responsibilities

1. Identifying opportunities for high-impact research
2. Planning project scopes, timelines, and communication systems
3. Recruiting and coordinating interdisciplinary teams of researchers suited to each project
4. Engaging, when relevant, with external partners such as researchers or policymakers
5. Conducting or facilitating rigorous research and ensuring that the project meets the highest scholarly standards
6. Producing—or facilitating the production of—clear, concise, and actionable reports tailored to field leaders, policymakers, and funders
7. Participating in report launch events and coordinating with external stakeholders to increase each project’s impact
8. Staying up to date on current research and field-level developments
9. Providing strategic input to ensure that our centers’ research stays mission aligned

Position expectations

The start date is on or around May 1, 2026 . This is a 6-month position with the possibility of extension. This is an onsite position. The successful candidate should anticipate regular meetings with CMEP Director Jeff Sebo and the research team.

In compliance with NYC’s Pay Transparency Act, the annual base salary for this position is $60,000 to $70,000, depending on experience. New York University considers factors such as (but not limited to) the specific grant funding and the terms of the research grant when extending an offer.

Qualifications

Required

• Strong research, analytical, and communication skills
• A bachelor’s degree
• Ability to write clearly and precisely
• Ability to edit documents thoughtfully for content and clarity
• Excellent time and project management skills, with demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities
• Ability to work independently and on a team
• Discretion, professionalism, and a commitment to ethical research practices

Preferred

• Advanced degree in a related field, such as philosophy, neuroscience, or public policy
• Experience leading an interdisciplinary team or project
• Experience producing actionable research for policy makers, philanthropists, or other decisionmakers
• Commitment to producing socially impactful research

Application Instructions

For consideration, applicants need to submit the following via Interfolio:

• A curriculum vitae
• A cover letter addressing the following questions:
  • Why are you interested in this role?
  • What is your relevant experience in research or project management?
  • Briefly describe the tools or systems you use to track projects, tasks, and deadlines.
• A writing sample of at least 15 pages reflecting careful reasoning and clear writing
  • Multiple shorter pieces are fine
  • It can be a piece of academic writing or policy, professional, or editorial work
  • You do not need to be the sole author, but please indicate your role
• Three academic or professional references (contacts only)

Please contact Audrey Becker (audrey.lynn.becker@nyu.edu) with questions.

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