An AI Safety Research Scientist works to make sure AI systems are safe and follow human values. They:
For example, These scientists test AI decisions to make sure the AI can not be misled into doing dangerous things.
In the previous five years, AI safety research funding has increased over 400%. Big tech companies such as OpenAI, DeepMind, and Anthropic have begun hiring dedicated AI safety teams. With increased capabilities like 25,000 word processing on GPT-4, safety research is becoming increasingly critical.
You need knowledge of machine learning, coding (e.g., Python), and math. It is also helpful to understand ethics, logic, and decision-making. Most people in this role hold a PhD, but having a strong portfolio helps as well. Work that involves research and the practical application of AI tools is extremely helpful.
As AI advances and becomes even more powerful, the need is increasing sharply. Leading technology companies and research centers are employing more safety experts every year. According to some reports, since 2022, there has been a 35% increase in AI safety job postings. Over the next decade, this field is expected to gradually grow.
There has been proof of racial bias in AI-generated images and wrong recommendations for medical care. Some models have been fooled into providing answers that are dangerous and harmful. These challenges highlight the need for performing safety testing prior to public deployment. Resolving these kinds of issues is the priority AI safety scientists seek to address.
Builds safety-focused infrastructure & tools for monitoring systems, earning $105,000–165,000.