AI Science Advisor to the California Department of Technology

The California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) is a non-partisan, nonprofit organization established by the Legislature to connect leading experts in science and technology with California state policymakers. As part of its program portfolio, CCST offers science residency opportunities placing technical experts in state government.

Role Description

The Science Advisor to the California Department of Technology (CDT) will support evidence-based decision-making at the highest levels of California’s AI adoption and governance efforts and inform the implementation of nation-leading AI safety and transparency legislation. The Science Advisor – the most senior level of embedded technical expert in state government – will support and advise CDT on AI policy, safety, governance, and adoption issues.

This position will be formally employed by CCST – and placed in CDT on a full-time basis.

Position Requirements

The Science Advisor must have exceptional expertise and demonstrated experience at the intersection of AI science, technology, and policy. The position demands a high degree of credibility, diplomacy, and political acumen, strong integrity, and an ability to serve as a trusted honest broker at the nexus of multiple partnership networks. 

Preferred qualifications:

• PhD degree (or equivalent experience) in an AI-related discipline AND multiple years cross-cutting experience in multiple topics covering frontier AI, AI foundation models, AI safety and safety incidents, AI standards, AI risks, risk assessments, and risk mitigation, AI transparency, AI accountability, cybersecurity, and AI system monitoring.
• Experience developing, training and deploying AI frontier models within governmental environments.
• At least 10 years of professional experience in technology, preferably with at least 2 years of experience specific to AI, in the public, private, non-profit, or academic sectors.
• Widely recognized in one or multiple scientific disciplines by peers in AI development and/or governance.
• A broad understanding of and curiosity for other science and technology fields, disciplines, and industries related to AI policy and governance.
• Demonstrated experience in public policy, especially California policy and state legislative priorities, as well as AI adoption, policy, and governance.
• Strong commitment to partnership and collaboration, including across sectors, scientific disciplines, and regions, with ability to independently drive work streams.
• A high degree of accountability, including recognized ability to manage a project transparently and meet multiple deadlines by organizing, prioritizing, and planning work. Must be able to use sound judgment in responding to issues and concerns.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, critical and analytic thinking skills, and ability to synthesize information to reach diverse audiences and build consensus.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and commitment to continuous learning and collaboration, with ability to work as a team member, as well as ability to work in a remote or virtual environment as necessary.

Salary and Benefits

We expect the salary range to be between $190,000 and $220,000 annually, dependent on expertise and experience. The range can be extended for exceptional candidates.

As an employee of CCST, this position will be eligible for CCST’s comprehensive benefits package. CCST’s benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage for you and eligible family members; opportunity to participate in CCST’s 403b retirement plan; relocation assistance; paid holidays; time off for vacation, sick, and volunteer service; and group life coverage. CCST is driven by a nonprofit vision, inviting you to contribute meaningfully to building the future, making a positive impact every day, and fostering personal and career growth in a supportive work environment.

Candidates may also qualify for an interjurisdictional employee exchange (IJE), allowing them to maintain a closer affiliation with their current institution.

To Apply

Apply for this position by submitting a cover letter and CV through our online portal, including names and contact information of 3 professional references.

URL: https://www.tfaforms.com/5217955