Opportunities

Call for Research Assistants

Updated: Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Mission: The AI Ethics Lab is an international research initiative dedicated to examining the ethical and legal implications of artificial intelligence and analyzing its impact throughout the AI lifecycle, from design and development to deployment, use, and monitoring. Led by Principal Investigator Dr. Nathan C. Walker, a First Amendment and human rights educator at Rutgers University–Camden, the lab embraces a Solutions Scholarship methodology. Researchers in the lab identify moral challenges and actively develop practical policy strategies to foster responsible technologies that benefit humanity and the environment.

Academic Affiliations: The AI Ethics Lab is housed within the Department of Philosophy & Religion at Rutgers University–Camden, a program that supports courses and research exploring how human beings understand and express the nature and meaning of reality, knowledge, life, self, societies, ethics, and values.

Research Deliverables: Research assistants will collaborate with specialists to design and publish a knowledge base that maps the relationship between AI ethics and human rights instruments.

‣ AI Knowledge Base: Assist in crafting a glossary of terms that simplifies technical and legal jargon for a general audience. This living document will evolve alongside advancements in AI technologies and regulations, ensuring that key terms remain accessible and relevant.

‣ Mapping AI Ethics: Explore philosophical and applied ethical principles related to AI, including human dignity, privacy, transparency, fairness, safety, and accountability. Research assistants will contribute by building a comprehensive annotated bibliography and conducting an in-depth literature review.

‣ Mapping AI and Human Rights: Investigate the intersection of AI and global human rights instruments, focusing on its impact on multinational corporations and broader societal sectors.

Ideal Candidates: The AI Ethics Lab engages undergraduate students at any stage of their academic careers who are enrolled full-time in a Rutgers University–Camden degree program. While no prior experience in law, philosophy, computer science, or digital studies is required, students majoring or minoring in these disciplines are encouraged to apply. Maintaining strong academic standing is a top priority; therefore, applicants must have and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. Due to the demanding nature of this research position, students enrolled in more than five standard 3-credit courses (15 credits) are discouraged from applying. Candidates should be able to commit to work at least two consecutive semesters before graduating.

Competencies: During the application and interview stages, candidates should demonstrate a proven track record of exceptional academic performance that highlights self-motivation and strong task completion. The research team fosters a relational culture that emphasizes collegiality, effective communication, mental flexibility, and attention to detail. Applicants should be self-disciplined team players who thrive in creative and collaborative environments.

Commitments: Research assistants are expected to dedicate a minimum of 6 in-person hours per week on Fridays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM and 4 independent research hours during the week, for a maximum of 10 hours per week. Appointments are semester-based (Fall, Spring) and may be renewed based on excellent performance.

Benefits: AI Ethics Lab research assistant positions offer students either academic credit through enrolling in an independent study or, contingent on funding, a professional, paid experience starting at $16 per hour. Participants will gain hands-on exposure to social science and legal research methods, a deeper understanding of AI ethics and law, and the opportunity to earn publication credits for meaningful contributions to the lab’s research projects.

Application Process: To apply, please complete this application form where you will be invited to upload a formal cover letter and resume (sign in with your Gmail account to access the form). The search committee will then review applications and invite final candidates to participate in an in-person interview based on the following schedule:

Fall 2026 positions

‣ Completed application forms will be accepted until April 5, 2026.

‣ In-person interviews will take place on Fridays from April 10–24, 2026.

‣ The final candidate will be invited to join the lab with a tentative start date of September 11, 2026.

Spring 2027 positions

‣ Completed application forms will be accepted until November 1, 2026.

‣ In-person interviews will be conducted on Fridays, November 6–20, 2026.

‣ The final candidate will be invited to join the lab with a tentative start date of January 22, 2027.

If you have any questions during this process, please contact Dr. Nathan C. Walker.