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Open Postdoctoral position, faculty mentor Percy Liang

Important Info

Faculty Sponsor (Last, First Name): 
Liang, Percy
Other Mentor(s) if Applicable: 
Prof. Daniel E. Ho
Stanford Departments and Centers: 
HumanCentered Artificial Inte
Postdoc Appointment Term: 
This is a 1-year position, with potential for renewal.
Appointment Start Date: 
As soon as possible
Group or Departmental Website: 
http://hai.stanford.edu
http://crfm.stanford.edu
http://reglab.stanford.edu
How to Submit Application Materials: 

Rolling, with a closing date of February 15, 2023. Strong preference will be given to early applicants. If you have any questions, please email HAI-policy@stanford.edu

Does this position pay above the required minimum?: 
Yes. The expected base pay range for this position is listed in Pay Range field. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the qualifications of the selected candidate, budget availability, and internal equity.
Pay Range: 
$80,000 - $90,000

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to research the governance of foundation models as part of a new focused initiative on AI policy. This initiative aims to supply evidence-based research that will sharpen the US and global AI governance conversation, including current legislative and regulatory proposals.

In an era where foundation models are gaining paramount importance, governments globally are actively formulating policies pertaining to these technologies. Stanford stands at the forefront of this dynamic field, blending technical knowledge with comprehensive legal and policy insights with high-impact contributions, including the Foundation Model Transparency Index and Considerations for Governing Open Foundation Models. The fellow will work in a rich, interdisciplinary milieu that bridges computer science, law, and public policy with a unique platform to lead AI policy research that is both technically sound and institutionally pragmatic, placing you at the vanguard of shaping the future of AI governance.

The postdoc would be housed at the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI,  jointly advised by Professor Percy Liang (computer science / Center for Research on Foundation Models) and Professor Daniel E. Ho (law, political science, computer science by courtesy / Regulation, Evaluation and Governance Lab ).

Example Projects:

  • Provide a deep analysis of the opportunities and risks of open foundation models, including historical impact, benefits, management, and responsibilities of open-source or open innovation approaches, to guide policy and innovation efforts.
  • Study requirements on transparency into the practices of foundation model developers and adverse event reporting mechanisms as concrete policy proposals to make precise the impact of these technologies.
  • Engage in investigations of proposed AI regulatory frameworks, such as the EU AI Act and , licensing requirements, and regulatory thresholds, assessing their methodologies and impacts.
  • Develop evidence-based research to inform and influence policy-making processes, ensuring regulations are technologically feasible and practically implementable.
Required Qualifications: 
  • Ph.D. in a related discipline (e.g. computer science, public policy, information science) or J.D.
  • Demonstrated interest in bridging academic research with policy impact.
  • Strong collaborative skills and ability to work well in a complex, multidisciplinary environment across multiple teams, with the ability to prioritize effectively.
  • Being highly self-motivated to leverage the distributed supervision structure.
Required Application Materials: 

To apply, please submit an application here, including a brief cover letter, CV, links to top 2 research papers, and 2 letters of recommendation (SlideRoom will prompt you to enter your recommenders’ email addresses to request the letter).

 

Stanford is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.