(Senior) Researcher AI x Animals

About the Position and Team  Rethink Priorities (RP) is seeking a highly analytical Researcher or Senior Researcher to investigate complex questions arising at the intersection of AI and animals — taking priority research projects from vague, important questions through to delivered, decision-useful output. This position sits within RP's Animal Welfare Department , which advances and pioneers evidence-based, reason-driven change for animals. Within the department, the AI × Animals Program works to steer the animal movement through an AI-transformed future toward the best possible world for animals. We believe AI will significantly affect animal welfare and advocacy, and that far too little work is going into navigating that transition well for animals. We pair disciplined prioritisation research — mapping where AI matters for animals and which interventions are worth funding, incubating, or scaling — with an action arm that builds talent and coordination infrastructure.  To get a sense of the questions you would investigate, see the executive summaries of our reports on AI and aquaculture ( Part 1 , Part 2 ) and on AI and cultivated meat . Many projects are self-generated from questions we think deserve attention; others are commissioned by mission-aligned funders and advocacy organisations. A typical project means scoping a fuzzy question, choosing a proportionate method, and producing something a decision-maker can act on. You will own research questions end to end and exercise real judgement about what to investigate and how. The level of autonomy scales with seniority: At the Researcher level, you'll execute projects with regular guidance from your manager on methodology and prioritisation, while taking increasing ownership of day-to-day decisions. At the Senior Researcher level, you'll scope and run projects with minimal oversight, take the initiative to learn methods you haven't used before, and be consulted by program leadership on strategic decisions such as which projects the program should take on. Reporting and collaboration. The successful candidate will report to Kevin Xia (Senior Research Manager) and collaborate across the program and the wider Animal Welfare Department. This role is open at two levels — Researcher and Senior Researcher — and you may indicate which you're applying for. We may make an offer at a level above or below the one you applied for if the hiring process suggests it's a better fit; the final level (and corresponding salary) is set using RP's title structure and salary algorithm based on demonstrated competencies and relevant experience.