Associate

Schmidt Sciences is a philanthropy dedicated to fostering the advancement of science and technology. We approach this by identifying under-supported or unconventional areas of exploration and discovery in order to accelerate and deepen our understanding of the natural world and develop solutions to global issues.

We seek ideas, people, and techniques across disciplines of science and technology to catalyze results for society. Our focus areas include AI and Advanced Computing, Astrophysics and Space, Biosciences, Climate, and Cross-Science programs.

At Schmidt Sciences, we support and develop ideas including talent programs for post-docs, exceptional mid-career polymath researchers, and interdisciplinary fellows; discipline specific virtual institutes on topics ranging from astrophysics to earth systems modeling to artificial intelligence; development of data platforms and scientific software to improve the way scientific research is done; and we explore new avenues to support scientific research that furthers our understanding of the world.

The Role

Reporting to the Director of the AI and Advanced Computing Institute at Schmidt Sciences (“Institute”), the Associate will join the growing Institute team to manage existing AI grantmaking programs and explore new AI programs. 

Key Responsibilities

This role would be responsible for the following elements of the Institute’s work. The specific work would be developed jointly by the Associate and their manager and may change from time to time.

Managing the AI at Work program (about 50% of the Associate’s focus)

This is a new grantmaking program that aims to spur exceptional research exploring how adoption of AI may affect the nature of work and the operation of the labor market. The program supports both descriptive work that gauges causal impacts, and prescriptive work that field-tests the design of tools, training, and policies that may produce desirable outcomes. The program operates in close collaboration with several external sourcing partners. Responsibilities include: 

•Leading the strategy and execution of this program. 

•Defining and evolving key research priorities for the program

•Engaging with the program’s partners

•Evaluating funding proposals received by the program

•Shapes and delivering communications about the program both to internal and external audiences

Exploring new grantmaking opportunities 

The Institute has 3-5 explorations ongoing at any given time, focused on understanding the highest and best use of philanthropy in specific areas of AI, from improving AI itself (e.g., making it more interpretable) to using AI to advance science. Responsibilities include: 

•Identifies and assesses new areas of involvement in AI.

•Collaborates with small teams of external subject-matter experts and internal program scientists to explore specific program areas, through desk research, interviews, and workshops. 

•Designs and implements workshops focused on new program exploration.  

•Synthesizes research into proposals for how Schmidt Sciences should (or should not) advance its mission in various fields of AI. 

Program and grantmaking award responsibilities

•Oversees communications with awardee PIs and research teams to track progress and challenges faced over the duration of the award.

•Determines if additional or different kinds of support could be necessary or beneficial.

•Participates in the internal assessment process, including the analysis of incoming scientific proposals and reports in context of the current landscape.

•Analyzes the effectiveness and impact of current AI Institute programs, grants, and gifts, utilizing metrics and analysis to measure success and inform strategic decision-making.

•Optimizes budgets and financial resources associated with AI programs, monitoring expenditures and forecasting future needs to ensure efficient use of resources.

Strategic program development and collaboration responsibilities

•Develop new programs that might support technology, talent, or specific future pathways for the field

•Design and organize effective convenings around strategic program goals, including community building and accelerating science outcomes

•Actively engage with stakeholders to identify emerging trends and opportunities for collaboration, acting as a conduit for bringing in innovative ideas and perspectives from the AI community.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Applicants must:

•Have a bachelor’s or master’s in economics or computer science or related field 

•Have a track record of research in economics and AI, or other socio-technical fields and AI 

•Have active interest in the AI and economics literature 

•Have experience producing technical writing for expert and general audiences

•Have demonstrated ability to collaborate and a record of impact in high-intensity, team-based environments

•Have the highest integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality

About Schmidt Sciences

Schmidt Sciences is a philanthropy dedicated to fostering the advancement of science and technology. We approach this by identifying under-supported or unconventional areas of exploration and discovery in order to accelerate and deepen our understanding of the natural world and develop solutions to global issues.

We seek ideas, people, and techniques across disciplines of science and technology to catalyze results for society. Our focus areas include AI and Advanced Computing, Astrophysics and Space, Biosciences, Climate, and Cross-Science programs.

Schmidt Sciences, is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that proudly pursues and hires a diverse workforce. We do not make hiring or employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion or religious belief, ethnic or national origin, nationality, sex, gender, gender-identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable local, state, or federal laws or prohibited by Company policy. We strive for a healthy and safe workplace and strictly prohibit harassment of any kind.