Assistant Research Scientist - AI Safety Center Human-Compatible Artificial Intelligence; C

Position Overview

The Center for Human-Compatible Artificial Intelligence at UC Berkeley seeks an Assistant Research Scientist to conduct and lead research in AI safety and well‑founded AI.

Base salary: $124,200 – $156,000 per year.

See UC Academic salary scales for rank and step: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Percent time: 100%.

Anticipated start:
Spring 2026.

Position duration:
One year with possible extension based on performance and funding.

Open date:
January 13, 2026.

Review period ends January 28, 2026 11:59 pm PT.

Final date:
February 16,  pm PT. Applications after the review date will only be considered if the position is unfilled.

• Conduct and lead research on AI safety and well‑founded AI, including reinforcement learning, planning, state abstraction, action abstraction, world modeling, decision‑making under partial observability, and analysis of learned representations.
• Develop novel decision‑making models and algorithms with strong theoretical foundations.
• Conduct rigorous empirical testing, evaluation, and establish formal frameworks for safe and aligned AI systems.
• Author peer‑reviewed articles, lead multiple research projects, mentor PhD students and junior researchers, set research directions, write technical papers and reports, and present at conferences and academic labs.
• Facilitate collaborations within and beyond UC Berkeley.

Basic qualifications (required) PhD or equivalent international degree.

Preferred qualifications

• PhD in computer science, mathematics, statistics, or related field.
• Expertise in reinforcement learning, planning, and decision‑making under uncertainty.
• Experience with state abstraction, temporal abstraction, model‑based methods, partial observability, or interpretability of learned representations.
• Fluency in at least one non‑technical discipline such as cognitive science, philosophy, social science, or policy development.
• Strong publication record at top‑tier conferences and journals.
• Experience conducting and leading full‑time research.
• Experience organizing and reviewing for conferences and workshops.
• Demonstrated creativity and problem‑solving skills.
• Experience mentoring graduate students or other junior researchers.
• Proficiency in Python and/or C++ for implementing and testing algorithms.
• Experience with PyTorch, JAX, Num Py, Sci Py, and other machine learning libraries.
• Experience developing open‑source research software or AI benchmarks.

Required documents

• Curriculum Vitae (updated C.V.).
• Research Statement (discuss research accomplishments and proposed plans).

Reference requirements 3 references (contact information only).

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UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. The University of California is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

For more information, refer to the University of California's affirmative action and nondiscrimination in employment policy and the University of California's anti‑discrimination policy.

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