At a Glance
- Tasks: Research and develop psychological guidelines for AI safety and well-being.
- Company: Join Google DeepMind, a leader in AI innovation and ethics.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, equity, and comprehensive benefits.
- Other info: Collaborate with top experts in a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on AI technology and its interaction with people.
- Qualifications: PhD in Psychology or related fields with research experience in child development.
The predicted salary is between 130000 - 190000 £ per year.
We are seeking a Senior Psychologist or Sociologist to join the Responsible Development & Innovation team (ReDI) at Google DeepMind. The candidate must have a strong general understanding of core psychological principles and the ability to leverage internal and external expertise in AI-related areas (e.g., cognitive, behavioural) as well as the ability to translate these into technical safety protocols for AI models. An extensive working knowledge of developmental psychology is particularly important for supporting our work.
Artificial Intelligence could be one of humanity’s most useful inventions. At Google DeepMind, we’re a team of scientists, engineers, machine learning experts and more, working together to advance the state of the art in artificial intelligence. We use our technologies for widespread public benefit and scientific discovery, and collaborate with others on critical challenges, ensuring safety and ethics are the highest priority.
The Responsible Development & Innovation team (ReDI) proactively identifies, researches, and addresses emerging ethical and safety challenges in AI. Collaborating with internal and external experts, the team develops and refines practical guidelines and policies to ensure Google DeepMind’s technology aligns with our AI Principles. When necessary, the team conducts original research to inform these pioneering guidelines and policies.
The role involves ensuring our advanced AI models interact with people in healthy and developmentally appropriate ways, consistent with Google DeepMind’s values. You will use your intellectual agility and deep expertise in psychology and technical understanding of the AI model development pipeline to proactively identify, research and address potential ethical and well-being implications of our AI technologies. You will use this research to design model guardrails.
Key responsibilities:
- Research and develop practical guidelines and implementable safety frameworks informed by general psychological principles and empirical data to define model behaviour in ways that promote positive outcomes and mitigate potential psychological harms.
- Convert these frameworks into concrete evaluation protocols and red-teaming artifacts.
- Stay informed about the latest research and emerging trends in child psychology, developmental science, and the evolving landscape of Generative AI and its potential impact on young people.
- Proactively identify and research potential psychological risks and ethical considerations arising from interactions between advanced AI and children.
- Work closely with AI researchers, ML engineers, and product managers across Google DeepMind to integrate psychological insights directly into the model training and deployment lifecycle.
- Conduct thorough reviews of relevant academic literature in psychology, education and technology, human-computer interaction, and AI ethics.
- Engage with internal and external experts to gather diverse perspectives and inform guideline development.
About you:
- A PhD in Psychology (Clinical, Developmental, Social, Cognitive), Human-Computer Interaction, Cognitive Science, or related fields.
- Significant research experience in one or more of the following areas: child development, adolescent psychology, attachment theory, social-emotional learning, Online Safety, or other relevant areas of applied psychology.
- Experience working in a tech company, AI lab, or product-focused environment.
- Familiarity with the AI development lifecycle and concepts such as Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback (RLHF).
- A strong understanding of ethical principles and considerations relevant to psychological research and the application of psychological principles in technology.
- Demonstrated ability to learn quickly and contribute effectively to technical discussions outside of core expertise.
- Excellent research, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate ambiguous psychological concepts into concrete technical requirements.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex psychological concepts clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Ability to collaborate effectively within interdisciplinary teams and contribute to a fast-paced environment.
- A proactive and independent approach to identifying and addressing potential challenges and exploring novel research questions.
- Experience with ethical considerations in technology development and familiarity with AI concepts and technologies.
- Experience in applied research settings or translating academic knowledge into practical guidelines or applications.
Senior Psychologist or Sociologist - AI Psychology & Safety employer: The Rundown AI, Inc.
At Google DeepMind, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that prioritises ethical AI development and employee growth. As a Senior Psychologist or Sociologist, you will have the unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research while working alongside leading experts in the field, all within a supportive environment that values diverse perspectives and promotes professional development. Our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in our competitive salary packages, comprehensive benefits, and a strong focus on work-life balance, making us an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful and impactful careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Psychologist or Sociologist - AI Psychology & Safety
✨Get Involved in Local Psychological Communities
Join local psychology associations or groups where professionals gather. Whether it’s workshops, conferences, or social events, connecting with others in the field can lead to job opportunities and insider info on unadvertised openings.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re a recent graduate, don’t forget to tap into your university’s career services. They often have exclusive partnerships with organisations looking for fresh talents, plus access to internships that could lead to full-time roles.
✨Showcase Your Skills Online
Create a blog or a LinkedIn page where you share insights about psychology theories or current trends. This not only showcases your knowledge but can help you connect with like-minded professionals and potential employers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you find a role like Senior Psychologist or Sociologist - AI Psychology & Safety at The Rundown AI, Inc., make your application stand out by applying directly through our website. This gives you a better chance to be seen by hiring managers. Plus, tailor your application to highlight your passion for psychology and relevant experiences!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Psychologist or Sociologist - AI Psychology & Safety
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV with Relevant Experience:In psychology, it’s crucial to highlight your relevant experience, such as internships, research projects, or any volunteer work in mental health settings. Make sure to include specific roles and responsibilities, demonstrating how you've applied theoretical knowledge in real-world situations—this is what gets us excited!
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:Given the nature of psychology, we want to see your academic journey laid out clearly. Include your degree(s), grades, and any specialised courses or certifications that set you apart. If you've got published papers or presentations at conferences, be sure to mention them—it shows your commitment to the field!
Personal Statement: Make It Count:Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Share insights about why you’re passionate about psychology and how this role at The Rundown AI, Inc. connects with your career goals. Be honest about your motivations and what you hope to learn—this is key for a full-time position and helps us gauge your fit in our team!
Focus on Soft Skills in Your Application:Psychology is as much about people as it is about theories. Highlight your soft skills such as communication, empathy, and teamwork in your application. These traits are essential in our field and will help us see how you connect with others, so don't hold back in showcasing them!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Rundown AI, Inc.
✨Brush Up on Key Psychological Theories
Before stepping into the interview with The Rundown AI, Inc., revisit key psychological theories that are relevant to the role, like cognitive behavioural therapy or humanistic psychology. Expect to discuss these during your interview, as they want to see how you apply theory to practice.
✨Bring Real-Life Case Studies
Prepare a couple of case studies or anecdotes that demonstrate your practical experience in psychology. Whether it’s handling a difficult client or designing a psychological assessment, these stories will highlight your skills and help you stand out in your full-time interview.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Ethical Guidelines
Get comfy with the ethical guidelines set by the British Psychological Society. Be ready to chat about how you ensure ethical practice in your work, as this is crucial in the psychology field, and The Rundown AI, Inc. will be keen to know you’ve got integrity.
✨Showcase Your Continuous Learning
Since you're going for a full-time gig, it’s essential to demonstrate your commitment to ongoing professional development. Bring up any workshops, courses, or readings you’ve engaged in recently. This shows The Rundown AI, Inc. that you’re not just there for a job, but genuinely passionate about the field.
