AI Policy Lead at J-PAL (MIT): Shape the Future of AI for Social Good

Are you passionate about using artificial intelligence to drive meaningful social impact? The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) is hiring an AI Policy Lead to support its expanding work on AI for social good.

This exciting opportunity is based at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States, and offers a hybrid work structure.

About the Role

The AI Policy Lead will play a key role at the intersection of technology, research, and policymaking. This position focuses on ensuring that AI tools are developed, evaluated, and implemented in ways that are evidence-based and socially impactful.

Working within J-PAL’s Policy & Communications team, the successful candidate will help shape how AI is used to address global development challenges.

Key Responsibilities

The AI Policy Lead will be responsible for driving initiatives that connect cutting-edge research with real-world policy applications.

Core responsibilities include:

Leading efforts to evaluate and scale promising AI tools
Building partnerships with governments, researchers, and technology companies
Ensuring AI adoption decisions are grounded in rigorous, credible evidence
Supporting policy engagement and communication strategies
Contributing to research-driven policymaking efforts

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working across sectors and translating research into practical solutions.

Why This Role Matters

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming industries and societies. Ensuring that AI is used responsibly and effectively—especially in development contexts—is critical.

This role provides a unique opportunity to influence how AI is applied to solve real-world problems, particularly in areas such as poverty reduction, public policy, and global development.

Benefits of the Role

Working at J-PAL offers a chance to collaborate with leading researchers and policymakers around the world.

Benefits include:

Exposure to cutting-edge AI and policy work
Opportunity to influence global development outcomes
Collaboration with top researchers and institutions
Hybrid work environment
Professional growth in a globally recognized research organization

Who Should Apply

This role is ideal for professionals with a strong interest in AI, public policy, and social impact.

Candidates who are passionate about bridging technology and policy, and who thrive in collaborative, research-driven environments, are encouraged to apply.

Application Details

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Apply here

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