Research Assistant

Research Assistant, Child AI Safety

Location: Boston, MA (Hybrid)

Compensation: $30-$35 per hour, based on experience

Schedule: Part-Time (15-30 hours per week)

About Keep AI Safe Foundation

Keep AI Safe Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting children and adolescents from emerging risks associated with artificial intelligence and digital technologies.

We work to identify potential harms, promote responsible technology development, and help ensure that AI-powered products are designed with the safety and well-being of young people in mind.

Position Summary

The Research Assistant will support Keep AI Safe Foundation's Child AI Safety Initiative by evaluating AI-powered toys, digital companions, and interactive products designed for children and teens.

This role combines hands-on product testing, research, documentation, and analysis. Research Assistants will help identify potential safety concerns, privacy issues, and other risks that may affect young users while contributing to recommendations that promote safer technology for children.

This position is ideal for graduate students, recent graduates, or early-career professionals interested in child development, psychology, education, public health, technology, or social impact research.

Key Responsibilities

Product Testing & Evaluation

• Conduct structured evaluations of AI-powered toys, companions, and interactive technologies
• Document product behavior, responses, and user interactions
• Evaluate products for age appropriateness and potential safety concerns
• Assess privacy practices, data collection methods, and transparency
• Identify patterns of concerning or potentially harmful behavior

Research & Documentation

• Maintain detailed records of testing procedures and findings
• Assist with data collection, organization, and analysis
• Contribute to research reports and project deliverables
• Support the development of evaluation frameworks and testing protocols
• Help prepare materials for presentations, reports, and stakeholder communications

Child Safety Analysis

• Identify potential risks AI products may pose to children and adolescents
• Evaluate issues related to emotional dependency, manipulation, and persuasive design
• Assess product alignment with child safety best practices
• Contribute to recommendations that support safer technology design

Collaboration

• Participate in team meetings and research discussions
• Collaborate with Foundation staff and external advisors
• Contribute to a positive, mission-driven work environment
• Attend occasional in-person meetings at our Boston office

Qualifications

Required

• Current graduate student, recent graduate, or early-career professional with relevant research, analytical, educational, or child-focused experience
• Strong research, analytical, and critical-thinking skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Interest in child safety, technology, digital well-being, education, psychology, public health, or related fields
• Ability to work periodically in the Boston area

Preferred

• Experience with qualitative and/or quantitative research methods
• Background in child or adolescent development
• Familiarity with AI technologies or emerging technology issues
• Experience supporting research, nonprofit, or educational projects
• Experience with AI development or prototyping platforms such as Replit

Schedule & Work Environment

• Part-time position requiring a minimum commitment of 15-20 hours per week
• Opportunity to work up to 30 hours per week based on availability and project needs
• Flexible scheduling designed to accommodate graduate school and other professional commitments
• Hybrid work arrangement with a combination of remote and in-person work

Why Join Keep AI Safe Foundation?

• Help protect children and teens from emerging technology risks
• Gain hands-on research experience in a rapidly growing field
• Work with a collaborative team of nonprofit leaders, researchers, and advisors
• Build skills in research, analysis, and technology evaluation
• Flexible schedule that accommodates graduate school and other commitments
• Contribute to work that can influence how technology companies design products for young people

Compensation

• $30-$35 per hour, based on experience
• Part-time position (15-30 hours per week)
• Flexible schedule
• Hybrid work environment

Keep AI Safe Foundation is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.