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Assistant Specialist - Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Position overview
Salary range: The posted UC academic salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and/or step at appointment. See the following table for the salary scale for this position https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2025-26/represented-july-2025-scales/t24-b.pdf. The current full time base salary for this position is $63,500 - $70,700 annually. Off-scale salaries' which yield compensation that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions.

Percent time: 100%

Anticipated start: October, 2025

Position duration: This is a 12 month position with possibility of an extension depending on performance and availability of funding.

Application Window
Open date: September 4, 2025

Next review date: Friday, Sep 19, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Sunday, Oct 5, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

CHAI is a research group based in UC Berkeley's Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Artificial intelligence research is concerned with the design of machines capable of intelligent behavior, i.e., behavior likely to be successful in achieving objectives. This raises a problem of control: given that the solutions developed by such systems are intrinsically unpredictable by humans, it may occur that some of such solutions result in negative and perhaps irreversible outcomes for humans. CHAI's goal is to ensure that this eventuality cannot arise.

This position will assist in research for a book on extinction risk from artificial intelligence. As the book features discussions of many scientific topics, historical topics, and current events, the employee will be required to carefully review the literature on a large variety of scientific topics to surface important findings for inclusion in the manuscript, and to do historical research including finding relevant primary sources, and to do journalistic research into current and recent events. The employee will also be required to assist in fact checking and recruiting feedback on sections of the manuscript. The employee is expected to use AI research tools effectively, such as o3 deep research, while independently checking all claims from AI tools.

union: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/resources/employment-policies-contracts/bargaining-units/academic-researchers/contract/

Qualifications
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
Bachelors or equivalent international degree.

Preferred qualifications

1. Be able to understand technical computer science research.


2. Have experience with science communciation.


3. Have an interest in historical research and policy research.

Candidates will ideally have some familiarity with the literature in the field of AI alignment.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.


• Cover Letter (Optional)


• Research Statement - Please discuss research accomplishments and proposed plans. This can include, for example, your publication record, awards, presentations, inclusive research practices that promote the excellence of your research, and areas for future research.
  (Optional)


• Graduation Transcript

Reference requirements

• 2 required (contact information only)

Apply link: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05027

Help contact: nitz@berkeley.edu

About UC Berkeley

UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in our public mission of research, teaching, and service, consistent with UC Regents Policy 4400 and University of California Academic Personnel policy (APM 210 1-d). These values are embedded in our Principles of Community, which reflect our passion for critical inquiry, debate, discovery and innovation, and our deep commitment to contributing to a better world. Every member of the UC Berkeley community has a role in sustaining a safe, caring and humane environment in which these values can thrive.

The University of California, Berkeley 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, please refer to the University of California's Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment Policy and the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy.

In searches when letters of reference are required all letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service or career center), to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality prior to submitting their letter.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.


• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy


• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy


• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Job location
Berkeley, CA


To apply, visit https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05027