At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead AI safety research and develop strategies for biological and physical risks.
- Company: Join Lila Sciences, a pioneering platform in scientific superintelligence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity options, and a chance to shape the future of science.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for collaboration and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global challenges through cutting-edge AI research.
- Qualifications: PhD in biological or physical sciences and experience in scientific computing.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 84000 £ per year.
We’re building a talent-dense, high-agency AI safety team at Lila that will engage all core teams within the organization (science, model training, lab integration, etc.) to prepare for risks from scientific superintelligence. The initial focus of this team will be to build and implement a bespoke safety strategy for Lila, tailored to its specific goals and deployment strategies. This will involve technical safety strategy development, broader ecosystem engagement, as well as developing technical collateral including risk‑ and capability‑focused evaluations and safeguards.
What You’ll Be Building
- Set the build and research strategy for Lila’s safety approach to biological / physical risks.
- Design and build capability evaluations to test for scientific risks (both known but especially novel) from cutting edge scientific models integrated with automated physical labs, across biological / physical sciences.
- Coordinate and lead threat modelling exercises with internal and external scientific experts, including monitoring for emerging technologies and use‑cases.
- Develop and curate high‑quality training and test data for evals and safety systems.
- Evaluate risks from Lila’s capabilities, including through interactions with the wider ecosystem of capabilities (e.g., general‑purpose frontier models as well as narrow scientific tools).
- Contributing to broader, high‑quality research efforts – as and when needed – for scientific capability evaluation and restriction.
- Contribute to external communications on Lila’s safety efforts.
What You’ll Need to Succeed
- A PhD in either a biological sciences domain (e.g., molecular biology, virology, computational biology or related fields) or a physical sciences domain (materials sciences, physics, chemistry, chemical or nuclear engineering, or related fields), or other related experience.
- Demonstrated ability to set research directions for open problems in dual‑use risks in the biological / physical sciences.
- Experience in scientific computing, across either biological or physical sciences.
- Familiarity with dual‑use research and dissemination concerns, across the relevant safety / regulatory / governance frameworks (e.g., export control frameworks, biological and chemical‑related conventions and controls).
- Ability to communicate complex technical concepts and concerns to non‑expert audiences effectively.
- Demonstrated ability to lead teams of internal and external collaborators in buildout of Lila’s point‑of‑view on biological / physical risks.
- Demonstrated ability to deal with cross‑functional stakeholders (science, AI, product, policy) in a complex environment.
Bonus Points For
- Experience in developing or applying ML to biological or physical sciences.
- Experience in building evaluations, or conducting red‑teaming exercises, across scientific risks for frontier models / narrow scientific tools.
Location
This position may be based in any of Lila's offices, including Cambridge (MA), San Francisco (CA), or London (UK).
About Lila
Lila Sciences is the world’s first scientific superintelligence platform and autonomous lab for life, chemistry, and materials science. We are pioneering a new age of boundless discovery by building the capabilities to apply AI to every aspect of the scientific method. We are introducing scientific superintelligence to solve humankind's greatest challenges, enabling scientists to bring forth solutions in human health, climate, and sustainability at a pace and scale never experienced before.
Compensation
For US‑based candidates (Cambridge or San Francisco), we expect the base salary for this role to fall between $268,000 – $384,000 USD per year, along with bonus potential and generous early equity. The final offer will reflect your unique background, expertise, and impact. For UK‑based candidates, compensation will be determined separately and will be aligned with local market benchmarks and internal leveling.
Equal Opportunity
Lila Sciences is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.
Senior/ Principal Research Scientist, AI Safety, Biological/ Physical Sciences employer: Lila Sciences
At Lila Sciences, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and innovative work environment where our employees are empowered to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in AI safety. With a strong emphasis on collaboration across diverse teams and a commitment to employee growth through tailored development opportunities, we offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits that support both personal and professional well-being. Join us in our mission to revolutionise scientific discovery while enjoying a culture that values curiosity, trust, and the pursuit of excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior/ Principal Research Scientist, AI Safety, Biological/ Physical Sciences
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at Lila Sciences, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like Lila Sciences. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior/ Principal Research Scientist, AI Safety, Biological/ Physical Sciences
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at Lila Sciences. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at Lila Sciences. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lila Sciences
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at Lila Sciences. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at Lila Sciences to drive research projects forward.
