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AI Research Fellow

State of Utah
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We are seeking an AI research fellow to help build Utah’s new Office of AI Policy. This role is technical (e.g., using math, computer science, and statistics skills heavily), and will be complemented by other team members with policy, business, and legal expertise. If you are excited at the prospect of joining a small, agile, multidisciplinary team tasked with developing Utah’s AI laws and helping AI businesses thrive, please apply!
 
This position is with the Utah Department of Commerce, Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy. The office was created May 2024 as part of the State of Utah’s efforts to lead the nation by systematically developing sensible AI policy across a range of impact areas, such as healthcare, education, and transportation. Central to this new office is the AI Learning Lab, in which key stakeholders (such as industry experts, top academics, and regulators) work toward the right regulatory response to the wide range of applications of AI that businesses wish to pursue in Utah. The Office also has authority to create regulatory mitigation agreements, which grant businesses enhanced ability to test AI products in Utah while the state gathers data and finds long-term policy solutions.  
 
As an AI research fellow on our team, you will augment the Office’s existing technical expertise by researching and evaluating a wide range of AI architectures, evaluation strategies, and theories, and how they relate to proposed regulatory solutions. You will also interface with a wide variety of business leaders to understand the main ideas underlying their AI applications and help ensure that the policy stakeholders, such as the state legislators, regulators, and lawyers, are crafting well-reasoned and appropriate responses to these proposed applications.
 
A hybrid telework schedule may be available if desired, although some regular in-person work will be needed.
 
PRINCIPAL DUTIES
Your duties will include but not be limited to the following:
 

  • Research mathematical, statistical, and computational aspects of AI technologies in support of the Lab's policy agenda.
  • Work extensively with experts in a wide variety of disciplines to understand benefits and risks of AI technologies in Utah.
  • Advise on the development of regulatory and legal standards as the Office’s recommendations move through the legislative process.

 
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
Our model candidate will have:
 

  • Deep technical knowledge of computational, mathematical, and statistical aspects of artificial intelligence or machine learning. 
  • Track record of excellent problem solving and reliability.
  • Strong interest in AI policy and its business implications.
  • Strong technical communication skills.

 
PREFERENCES
We may give preferences for applicants with the following:
 

  • Strong experience implementing and deploying AI, particularly in a business context.
  • Expertise in aspects of public policy and/or law.
  • Ability to conduct novel research and develop new AI techniques as needed.

 
WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN OUR TEAM
This AI Research Fellow will join a small, agile team, developing a new, innovative way of thinking about key AI issues with strong support from the Governor and legislature. The right candidate will be in a position to influence the development of AI in the state and make substantial impacts on Utah’s AI economy, giving the state a competitive edge, while simultaneously ensuring the safety of millions of consumers. This role will also have an outsized influence on the national and global stage as Utah is a first mover in this area. Finally, this is a truly exceptional chance to meet and learn from a large number of highly accomplished and influential figures (including industry, academia, and government) leading the rollout of AI nationally and in Utah.
This position is eligible for a rich benefits package, generous paid time off, and a great work-life balance. You can learn more about offered benefits here.
 
AGENCY
In addition to the Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy, the Department of Commerce is the licensing and registration agency for Utah's professional and business community.  We provide oversight of business registrations, trademarks, Uniform Commercial Code filings, professional licensing, consumer protection, public utilities, securities, real estate and residential mortgage lending. You can learn more about the agency by visiting the website.
 
BENEFITS
 

  • Health Insurance - Public Employee Health Program (PEHP):
    • 3 medical plan options. Choose a Traditional or High Deductible Health Plan. There is an Opt-Out Cash Benefit option for those that have other medical insurance coverage.
    • 5 dental plan options, with an Opt-Out Cash Benefit option for those that have other dental insurance coverage.
    • 4 vision plan options under EyeMed or OptiCare
  • Retirement - Utah Retirement Systems (URS):
    • Employees who have any service credit with an employer covered by the Utah Retirement Systems prior to 7/1/2011 are in the Tier I Public Employees System.
    • Employees hired on or after 7/1/2011 and who have never been in the URS retirement system have two options for retirement in the Tier II System.
      • Tier 2 Hybrid Retirement System. Employer contributes an amount equal to 10% of your salary between both plans (pension and 401(k))
      • Tier 2 Defined Contribution Plan. Employer contributes an amount equal to 10% of your salary to a 401(k) plan only.
    • Employer contributions to your 401(k) are vested after four years.
  • Paid Time Off:
    • Annual leave and sick leave are accrued at 4 hours per pay period each (4 hours annual, 4 hours sick).
    • Annual leave amounts increase with years of service.
    • We have 12 paid holidays.

 

 Supplemental Information:

  • Job classification: Research Consultant III (#16048). **May underfill as a Research Consultant II (#16058).
  • Please note, a position's eligibility for remote work is established by agency management and is subject to change at their discretion at any time and for any reason.
  • DHRM rules apply for promotions/transfers.
  • Risks found in the typical office setting, which is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated, e.g., safe use of office equipment, avoiding trips and falls, observing fire regulations, etc.
  • Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work; however, there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying light items; driving an automobile, etc. Special physical demands are not required to perform the work.