Research Associate

The Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI) is an independent research institute whose mission is to advance AI research, education, policy, and practice to improve the human condition. The AI Index is an initiative at HAI that tracks, collates, distills, and visualizes data related to artificial intelligence, providing independent, rigorously vetted data and analysis to help stakeholders understand AI’s trajectory.

About the role

Reporting to the AI Index Research Manager, the research associate will maintain and enhance the Global AI Vibrancy Tool and support the research behind the annual AI Index report. Responsibilities include monitoring new research in the field, collecting and validating data, consulting outside experts, and writing technical sections of the report. This role offers the opportunity to help measure the state of AI more fully by identifying gaps, trends, and new measurement opportunities.

We are hiring one full-time (100% FTE), benefits-eligible, fixed-term research associate for two years. Potential for extension contingent upon funding and programmatic needs.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and develop new or modifications of usable data from complex data sources.
• Assess and produce relevant, standard, or custom information (reports, charts, graphs, and tables) from structured data sources by querying data repositories.
• Devise methods for identifying patterns and trends in available information sources using qualitative and quantitative techniques.
• Determine and recommend additional data collection and reporting requirements.
• Design and customize reports based on data in the database; distribute to applicable agencies, researchers, management, and other internal end-users.
• Create non-routine databases and generate related information summaries.
• Perform statistical analyses appropriate to complex data and reporting requirements.
• Serve as a resource for non-routine inquiries such as requests for statistics or surveys.
• Lead the implementation of data standards and common data elements for data collection.
• Collaborate with technical staff to standardize and systemize routine reports, dashboards, and metrics.
• May test prototype software and participate in the approval and release process for new software.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Three years of relevant experience or a combination of education and relevant experience.
• Experience in a quantitative discipline such as economics, finance, statistics, or engineering.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in a quantitative or technical field, or equivalent depth of relevant experience.
• Working knowledge of the current AI landscape, including foundation models, evaluation and benchmarking, and how AI progress is measured.
• Proficiency with statistical analysis and data visualization tools such as Python, R, SQL, Tableau, or comparable platforms.
• Experience working with large, messy datasets from multiple external sources, including reconciling different formats and definitions.
• Strong judgment about data quality, comparability, and when sources can and cannot be compared.
• Clear technical writing, with a track record of published or public-facing analytical work.
• Self-directed and comfortable with ambiguity in a fast-moving field.

Skills

• In-depth knowledge and experience using analytical software, database management systems, reporting software, query tools, and data mining software.
• Demonstrated ability to collect data using methods such as data mining and electronic or hardcopy documentation study.
• Intermediate statistical ability.
• Strong listening, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple activities in a deadline-oriented environment; highly organized, flexible, and detail-oriented.
• Ability to use logic to calculate data, construct databases, and scrutinize questions.
• Ability to work with data of varying levels of quality and validity.
• Demonstrated ability to produce clear, user-focused data presentations.
• Ability to work effectively with multiple internal and external customers.
• Ability to take a leadership role on projects and with users/clients.

Pay

Budgeted salary: $108,002–$128,138.

Schedule

Hybrid work arrangement.