About Gradient Institute

Gradient Institute is an independent, non-profit Australian research institute and registered charity that works to build ethics, accountability and transparency into Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems. Doing so is particularly important given the current rapid increase in the power of AI systems (such as large language models including GPT-4 as used by ChatGPT) and their risks.

We are a leading Australian authority on the responsible use of AI. We work with some of Australia's largest corporations (such as IAG, the largest general insurance company in Australia and NZ), some of the top universities (such as the University of Sydney and Australian National University) and government agencies at state and federal level to help achieve our vision: a world where all AI systems benefit humankind.

Our team is made up primarily of computer science researchers and engineers. We develop new AI techniques and tools, train and assist organisations in the responsible use of AI, assess AI systems and provide technical guidance for government AI policy development.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced consultant to join our small and dedicated team and lead our consulting function.

The primary purpose of the Consulting Lead - Responsible AI position is to lead Gradient's Responsible AI services function, bringing in new work and working with the Gradient team to enhance our clients' and partners' responsible application of AI and automated decision systems. With the support of the rest of the team, the Consulting Lead - Responsible AI will achieve this by:

• bringing in new service engagements (including advisory, training and assessment services) from clients and potential clients that use AI (including financial institutions, health technology companies, digital platforms, government agencies, etc)
• being the primary customer contact for these services
• managing and leading, including participating in, the delivery of these services.

Our ideal candidate will have a strong technical background in computer science or a related technical field as well as general familiarity with AI technology and applications. They must also have extensive experience as a technical consultant and a track record in bringing in consulting engagements with customers. The role does not require existing responsible AI expertise.

At Gradient Institute we believe that diverse people, perspectives and experiences are vital to achieving our mission. We work hard to ensure our team members have a positive and fulfilling work life that enables them to flourish and be their best selves. We strongly encourage people with diverse backgrounds, women, and people belonging to minority or disadvantaged groups to apply.

The successful candidate will be able to work from home or work from our Sydney office (on the University of Sydney campus). The existing team members are in Sydney and Canberra and we have a preference for the successful candidate to be in one of these locations for weekly in-person get-togethers. We will also consider candidates in other locations in Australia. We will consider employing for either a full-time role or a 4-days-per-week role.

Duties and responsibilities

As Consulting Lead - Responsible AI at Gradient Institute, you will be required to:

1. lead the responsible AI services function of Gradient Institute, which includes the sale and delivery of advisory, training and assessment services to clients
2. bring in new funded responsible AI service engagements from existing and new clients, identifying and pursuing opportunities for this work and working with Gradient's partners to do this when relevant
3. work with Gradient Institute existing and prospective clients to understand their current and planned uses of AI and their business and ethical objectives for these systems, and lead the writing of proposals for projects to assist these clients
4. be the main business-customer interface for responsible AI service engagements
5. lead the writing of consulting reports required in delivery of some service projects, collaborating closely with technical staff
6. build and maintain relationships with existing and prospective clients and partners, identifying new opportunities for the adoption of responsible AI practices
7. manage and mentor a small team of consultants, providing guidance and support as needed
8. lead the further development and maintenance of processes and systems for supporting Gradient Institute’s responsible AI services function
9. if needed, write articles and present talks on Gradient Institute’s work and related AI topics
10. if needed, represent Gradient Institute at technical conferences, trade shows and events and contribute to the wider responsible AI community
11. other related tasks in support of Gradient Institute’s mission of improving the responsible use of AI as required.

The initial number of direct reports (full-time consultants) will be one. Other expert technical staff (including principal researchers) will be available to work on training, assessment and advisory engagements.

Required skills, experience and certifications

• University degree in a technical domain (e.g. computer science, software engineering, maths, physics or similar) or equivalent industry experience
• General familiarity with AI technology and applications
• At least 5 years experience working in business and/or technical consulting
• Proven track record of bringing in consulting engagements and client relationship management
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build trust and rapport with clients, partners and colleagues
• Excellent ability to lead the writing of clear and concise proposals and consulting reports on technical topics
• Ability to understand a client’s business and technology context and requirements
• Attention to detail with a high standard of work, and the ability to lead the delivery of projects on time and within budget
• Alignment with the mission and objectives of Gradient Institute
• Permanent work rights for Australia.