Manager Technical Governance Team at Miri

At the Machine Intelligence Research Institute, we are dedicated to a singular, vital mission: reducing the existential risks posed by the transition to smarter-than-human artificial intelligence. While our roots are deep in technical alignment research, our focus has evolved significantly since 2023. We are now pouring our energy into the critical intersection of communication and AI governance. We are looking for a thoughtful, driven leader to join us in Berkeley, California, to help shape the future of safe AI through rigorous research and policy design.

The opportunity

We are seeking a Manager for our Technical Governance Team. This is a pivotal role for someone who wants to bridge the gap between complex technical research and real-world policy impact. You will lead a versatile team tasked with designing the technical components of regulations that could secure a safer future for humanity. Your work will directly influence how international bodies and policymakers approach the challenges of advanced AI, ensuring that our research is both impactful and aligned with our long-term goals.

A day in the life

Your daily routine will be a blend of high-level strategy and hands-on execution. You will spend your time reading, writing, and collaborating with experts to solve some of the most pressing problems in the field. Your main responsibilities will include:

• Stakeholder Management: You will build and maintain meaningful relationships with policymakers and industry professionals, acting as the primary bridge between our research and the people who can put it into practice.
• Project and People Leadership: You will oversee our research initiatives, track progress toward our goals, and mentor team members, all while fostering a culture of high-quality, reliable output.
• Strategic Research: You will contribute to our core mission by threat modeling potential AI harms, analyzing the limitations of current policy proposals, and designing new standards that address the challenges of future, more powerful AI systems.

Who you are

We are looking for someone who is deeply passionate about AI safety and possesses the agency to drive projects forward without needing constant supervision. You are a clear communicator who can translate complex technical concepts for policymakers, and you are comfortable working in an environment where you often have to define the research questions yourself.

Ideal candidates will bring a strong background in one or more of the following areas:

• Compute Governance: You have technical knowledge regarding AI hardware, chip manufacturing, and the governance proposals surrounding them.
• Policy Expertise: You have experience drafting white papers or legislation, or engaging directly with policy bodies.
• AI Safety Generalist: You have a demonstrated ability to think carefully about AI safety, whether through empirical research, conceptual theory, or technical engineering.

We value conscientiousness, generative thinking, and the ability to learn quickly on the job. You should be fluent in English and ready to work on-site with our team in Berkeley.

Why you'll love it here

We believe in supporting our team so they can focus on doing their best work. The salary for this position ranges from $120,000 to $230,000 USD, depending on your unique experience and skill set. In addition to competitive pay, we offer:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, featuring the best available plans.
• A flexible approach to time off, where we encourage staff to take the breaks they need.
• Visa sponsorship for particularly promising candidates.