Research Assistant

Position description

The Centre for Effective Altruism (CEA) is looking for two research assistants (one full-time, one part-time) to help develop the intellectual foundations of effective altruism. In this role, you would work very closely with either Dr Toby Ord or Prof Peter Singer.
With Dr Toby Ord, the primary focus would be to help with the creation of a book on existential risk. This book would aim to be the go-to resource for existential risk: it will examine the arguments for mitigating existential risk, the types of existential risk, and the interventions aimed at reducing such risks. The ultimate aim is to make concern for existential risk a regular part of policy conversations, in just the same way that concern for the environment is.

With Prof Peter Singer, the primary focus would be to help with the creation of a book, co-authored with Frances Kissling, on the question of overpopulation: whether it’s a problem, what its relevance for international development is, and what actions international organisations should be taking with respect to issues of population. Other duties would include helping Prof Singer with his Project Syndicate column and his regular speaking duties. The role may also involve helping with the creation of a book on the relationship between Buddhism and utilitarian ethics.

Why apply?

This role provides an excellent opportunity to help improve the intellectual work being done by two of the leaders of the effective altruism community—work that has the potential for very high impact. Your work will involve learning a lot about a variety of interesting topics. You will have the opportunity to challenge, and be challenged by, an established academic.

Who is suited to this role?

This role will suit someone who enjoys conducting research and who is passionate about the key ideas of effective altruism. You need to be able to understand a broad literature and array of different topics quickly, to be able to write clearly and succinctly, and to be willing to work autonomously. You might have considered, or be considering, a career in academia. You should be familiar with standard academic referencing and have a good understanding of good style and grammar. Preferably, you will already have some background knowledge in existential risk (if working with Dr Ord) or international development (if working with Prof Singer).

Responsibilities

• Creating literature reviews
• Fact-checking empirical claims
• Proofreading and copy-editing drafts
• Supplying and formatting references
• Discussing ideas and arguments
• Advising on choice of topic and argument
• Providing feedback on written work
• Collating and processing feedback from external readers

Qualifications

• Relevant academic credentials
  Bachelor’s degree or higher in philosophy or a social science, such as economics or political science
  Exceptions may be made for outstanding applicants who do not meet this requirement
• Strong interest and background knowledge in moral philosophy and practical ethics
• Strong analytical skills
• Strong communication skills (both written and verbal)
• Robust positive self-motivation
• Having an effective altruist mindset
• Passion for making the world a better place
• Commitment to finding the most effective ways to do good

Salary and location

Salary is negotiable depending on experience and qualifications. Applicants will work on a paid, trial basis as a contractor before becoming a full employee or an ongoing contractor.
Location is flexible, though if working with Dr Ord, Oxford is preferred; if working with Prof Singer, Melbourne is preferred.
Dr Ord is looking for someone full-time, for six to twelve months in the first instance. Prof Singer is looking for someone to work approximately two days per week, on an ongoing basis.

About CEA

The Centre for Effective Altruism acts as a springboard for the effective altruism movement. It aims to:

• promote and strengthen effective altruism as an idea and a community,
• help figure out how best to advance the wellbeing of all, and
• inspire people to take action based on that knowledge.