Research Operations Associate (Contract)

The Center for AI Safety (CAIS) is a leading research organization on a mission to reduce societal-scale risks from AI. We tackle the toughest AI issues with a mix of technical, societal, and policy solutions, working with our sister organization, the CAIS Action Fund.

We are seeking a Research Operations Associate to support the smooth execution of research projects by managing logistics, coordination, and workflow efficiency. This role is ideal for someone highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive in ensuring projects stay on track. The position does not require a research background but does involve assisting with basic coding tasks and general administrative support.

Responsibilities Include:

Project Coordination & Tracking

-Maintain transparency into project timelines, team responsibilities, and task progress.

-Assist with tracking milestones, deliverables, and dependencies to keep projects on schedule.

-Identify potential roadblocks and work with stakeholders to resolve issues proactively.

Logistics & Communication

-Support coordination of meetings, scheduling, and communication among team members.

-Manage email correspondence and follow-ups related to research projects.

-Document and organize key project information to ensure accessibility for all stakeholders.

Technical & Administrative Support

-Provide hands-on assistance with basic coding tasks, debugging, and data management.

-Help streamline workflows by setting up tools, templates, and processes for improved efficiency.

-Perform other operational and administrative duties as needed to support research teams.

Qualifications

-Strong organizational and multitasking skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

-Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

-Basic coding skills (e.g., Python, R, or other relevant programming languages) to assist with research-related tasks.

-Experience with project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Notion) is a plus.

-Prior experience in operations, project coordination, or research support is preferred but not required.

• Have experience with Python and are comfortable working with technical research teams.
• Are familiar with large language models (LLMs) and AI research concepts.
• Have strong project management skills, including tracking milestones, coordinating stakeholders, and ensuring deadlines are met.
• Are self-motivated and can work independently in a fast-paced research environment.
• Have the ability to learn quickly and adapt to new challenges.
• Have a proactive mindset and take initiative to solve logistical challenges.
• Want to contribute to impactful research by keeping projects running smoothly.