Jobs
Overview
Title: Part-Time Executive Research Assistant
Reports to: Prof. Jaime Fernández Fisac, Princeton Safe Robotics Laboratory
Status: Part-time employee (10 hrs/week to start; adaptable based on fit and funding)
Location: Fully remote
Engagement: Six-month initial term, with strong expectation of extension
Salary range: $35-50/hour, depending on experience
Role Description
Princeton University’s Safe Robotics Laboratory (SRL) is a research group dedicated to advancing the science of safe intelligent systems. The lab develops theory and algorithms enabling robots, autonomous cars, and AI assistants to actively ensure safety in dynamic, unpredictable human environments — bridging control systems, game theory, and cognitive science to establish safety as a core aspect of intelligent behavior rather than an afterthought. Research thrusts include safety-critical learning and exploration, human interaction dynamics, and value and safety alignment.
The lab was launched in 2020 by Prof. Jaime Fernández Fisac, who serves as its Principal Investigator (PI), co-directs the Princeton AI4ALL outreach summer program, and most recently co-chaired the International Association for Safe and Ethical Artificial Intelligence (IASEAI) conference program in 2026.
Prof. Fisac is looking for a sharp, self-directed collaborator to work closely with him as the lab’s research momentum grows. More than filling a fixed job description, the goal is to find the right person and build the role around them. The right candidate will help shape what this position becomes over time, taking on whatever combination of responsibilities best leverages their strengths and the lab’s current needs.
This position is employed through BERI, a small 501(c)(3) that provides operational support and fiscal sponsorship to researchers and projects working to reduce catastrophic and existential risks. BERI serves as the employer of record; day-to-day work is directed by Prof. Fisac and the Safe Robotics Lab team.
Main Responsibilities
Depending on your background and interests, your work might span any combination of the following areas. We don’t expect any one person to do all of these — the initial 10 hours per week are intentionally scoped, and we’ll prioritize together based on where you can have the most impact.
Research Operations and Strategy
Identify strategies to enhance the impact and effectiveness of the lab’s activity
Track and coordinate progress across ongoing lab efforts
Explore avenues for securing additional financial resources for the lab
Help engage relevant stakeholders, researchers, or contributors to join the team
Prepare, review, and summarize documents as needed
Research Support
Assist in the preparation of funding proposals
Contribute to the production and editing of research publications, both academic and non-academic
Assist the research team with designing studies, running experiments, analyzing data, and presenting results
Outreach and Communications
Support the lab’s public communication strategy
Help manage the website and social media presence
Support organization of events related to the lab’s agenda, including the Princeton AI4ALL summer outreach camp
Who We’re Looking For
Personal fit matters a great deal here. More than any specific credential, we’re looking for someone who is genuinely excited about the lab’s mission, communicates clearly, and can work independently with a PI who moves fast and values initiative.
Strong candidates will bring most of the following:
Genuine motivation aligned with the goals of the lab — you care about AI safety and find the research direction compelling
Substantial understanding of robotics and/or artificial intelligence and their associated safety challenges; we expect a strong candidate will hold at least an undergraduate degree in a relevant field, and with extensive understanding of robotics and/or artificial intelligence and their associated safety challenges
Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage tasks without close supervision
Strong written and verbal communication that requires minimal revision
Comfort moving between research and operational tasks depending on what’s most useful
We’d rather hear from someone who is honest about their gaps and excited about the mission than miss a great candidate. Please have a low bar for applying.
What Makes This Role Unique
Direct access: You’ll work closely with Prof. Fisac and have real visibility into how a research lab operates at the frontier of AI safety
Flexibility and growth: The scope is intentionally adaptable — this role will evolve with you and the lab’s needs
Timely, mission-driven work: The lab’s agenda connects directly to some of the most consequential questions in AI development
Extraordinary community: Through BERI’s network, you’ll be adjacent to a broader network of researchers and organizations working on existential risk reduction
Remote and async-friendly: Work is conducted remotely, with regular video check-ins with Prof. Fisac and the team
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