Research Manager – AI and Biosecurity

About the role

The Cambridge Boston Alignment Initiative (CBAI) is a nonprofit research organization dedicated to safe and beneficial AI development. We are launching the inaugural AIxBio Research Fellowship, which brings a high‑touch, mentor‑driven model to the intersection of AI and biosecurity. The Research Manager will work closely with fellows, mentors, and domain experts to support cutting‑edge research on AI‑enabled biosecurity threats.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct frequent 1‑1 meetings with fellows, providing feedback, troubleshooting research designs, and supporting data collection and analysis.
• Provide substantive feedback to ensure rigor and clarity in fellows’ work and connect them with relevant literature and resources.
• Communicate with mentors to define clear research objectives and track progress.
• Participate in fellow selection by reviewing applications and interviewing candidates.
• Design and run reading groups, workshops, and supplementary programming for the AIxBio cohort.
• Support special projects such as evaluation frameworks or mentor onboarding.
• Meet weekly with program leadership to improve feedback loops and continuously enhance the fellowship.
• Prepare periodic briefs on recent developments at the AI‑biosecurity frontier.

Required profile

• Proven experience supporting complex intellectual work through teaching, managing technical teams, or coordinating academic programs.
• Deep understanding of the research process, able to assess research plans and identify blockers.
• Familiarity with AI, biosecurity, or their intersection, with enough context to engage substantively with fellows’ projects.
• Skilled at giving developmental feedback that strengthens arguments, methodology, and presentation.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a servant‑leadership mindset.
• Strong alignment with CBAI’s mission to mitigate biosecurity risks posed by advanced AI systems.
• Organized, conscientious, and able to keep complex projects on track.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field (e.g., Computer Science, Biology) combined with research or policy experience.

What we offer

• Salary range $100,000 – $115,000 per year, flexible for exceptional candidates.
• 5 % 403(b) match contribution.
• Comprehensive health insurance.
• Generous paid time off policy.
• Employer‑paid commuter benefits.
• Reimbursement for work‑related technology and home‑office expenses.
• Hybrid flexibility between fellowship cycles and access to AI safety co‑working spaces in Berkeley and NYC.