Researcher - NYU Center Mind, Ethics, and Policy

New York, NY

Oct 12, 2026

The Researcher will focus on the consciousness, sentience, moral status, or welfare of AI systems 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:

• A report on taking AI welfare seriously;
• 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. Engaging, when relevant, with external partners such as researchers or policymakers

3. Conducting or facilitating rigorous research and ensuring that the project meets the highest scholarly standards

4. Producing—or facilitating the production of—clear, concise, and actionable reports tailored to field leaders, policymakers, and funders

5. Participating in report launch events and coordinating with external stakeholders to increase each project’s impact

6. Staying up to date on current research and field-level developments

7. Providing strategic input to ensure that our centers’ research stays mission aligned

Position expectations
The start date is on or around January 4, 2027. This is a 12-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 $78,358.20. 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.

Required

• Strong research, analytical, and communication skills
• 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 decision makers
• Commitment to producing socially impactful research

NYU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a policy of equal treatment and opportunity in every aspect of its recruitment and hiring process without regard to age, alienage, caregiver status, childbirth, citizenship status, color, creed, disability, domestic violence victim status, ethnicity, familial status, gender and/or gender identity or expression, marital status, military status, national origin, parental status, partnership status, predisposing genetic characteristics, pregnancy, race, religion, reproductive health decision making, sex, sexual orientation, unemployment status, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis.

All interested persons are encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels.

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