Job Description
SENIOR LEGAL RESEARCH SCHOLAR
Center for Innovation (C4i)
Classification: Level 4 / Class 2052 (Center Senior Associate) / Contract / Full Time (on-site/hybrid) / Exempt / Benefitted / Non-Represented
Hiring Salary: $110,000-$150,000 annually, Commensurate with experience
THE ROLE and RESPONSIBILITIES
UC Law San Francisco’s Center for Innovation (C4i) and the AI Law & Innovation Institute seeks an accomplished Senior Legal Research Scholar to serve as a cornerstone of our nationally recognized academic think tank. We provide high-impact support to Congress, federal and state agencies, and major media outlets, blending rigorous research with hands-on policy engagement across three key verticals: The AI Law & Innovation Institute, The Law & Medicine Initiative, and The Startup Legal Garage.
Led by Professor Robin Feldman, a nationally respected scholar frequently cited by the White House, Congress, and the Supreme Court, C4i responds to over 50 government requests annually and plays an active role in national policy conversations.
This position is ideal for an experienced legal professional seeking to leverage their expertise for meaningful policy impact. You will serve as a senior resource, mentor, and thought partner—supporting Professor Feldman’s research agenda while guiding a talented team of early-career research managers. This is an opportunity to transition from the demands of legal practice to impactful academic work focused on shaping law and policy at the highest levels.
AI as a Strategic Priority
The AI Law & Innovation Institute is significantly expanding its work on artificial intelligence law, policy, and governance. This position will play a central role in building our AI capability and establishing our voice as a leading authority on AI legal and policy questions.
While deep legal expertise is essential for this role, we particularly welcome candidates who bring experience in AI policy, AI safety, AI governance, or technology law. Candidates from non-traditional backgrounds—such as AI policy roles in tech companies, AI labs, AI safety organizations, or government AI initiatives—are strongly encouraged to apply if they also possess substantial legal expertise and analytical capabilities.
Responsibilities
Research Leadership & Collaboration
- Co-author scholarly articles with Professor Feldman on AI law, healthcare policy, intellectual property, and pharmaceutical innovation
- Translate Professor Feldman’s strategic vision into actionable research plans for the team
- Lead research initiatives resulting in publication in Top law journals
- Conduct sophisticated legal analysis on complex, novel issues at the intersection of law, technology, and policy
- Support the publication process from concept to final placement in leading journals
- Serve as intellectual thought partner to Professor Feldman on major research initiatives
- Grants and other third-party funding procurement and management
Team Mentorship & Management
- Proactively mentor and support 5-7 junior research managers in their professional development
- Provide hands-on guidance on legal research methodology, analytical thinking, and academic writing
- Review work product at regular intervals to ensure quality and provide course correction early in the research process
- Serve as primary day-to-day resource for complex substantive questions across law, policy, and emerging technologies
- Support team members’ career development, including preparation for law school and legal careers
- Create and maintain a ‘zero defect’ culture through shorter iteration cycles and proactive feedback
AI Thought Leadership & Policy Engagement
- Develop or apply deep expertise in artificial intelligence law, policy, governance, and safety
- Monitor and synthesize cutting-edge developments in AI technology and policy for the Center
- Contribute to our growing reputation as a leading voice on AI law and innovation
- Write op-eds, policy briefs, and public-facing content on AI and emerging technologies
- Build and leverage networks within the AI policy, legal, and technology communities
- Serve as a resource on AI matters for the broader team
Strategic Operations & External Engagement
- Build and maintain relationships within academic, policy, legal, and technology communities
- Represent the AI Law & Innovation Institute at conferences, convenings, and professional events
- Support fundraising and development efforts through credibility and professional networks
- Contribute to our institutional growth and strategic planning
REQUIREMENTS
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
- Substantial legal experience (typically 5+ years) in litigation, law firms, in-house counsel roles, government positions, or policy organizations
- Demonstrated expertise in complex legal analysis and sophisticated legal writing
- Strong track record of mentoring or managing junior professionals
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Commitment to proactive mentorship and team development
- Ability to work collaboratively while elevating others’ work
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in AI policy, AI safety, AI governance, or technology law
- Background working in or with tech companies, AI labs, or AI-focused policy organizations
- Experience in one or more of our other focus areas: healthcare law, pharmaceutical regulation, intellectual property
- Experience writing amicus briefs, legal opinions, or policy documents
- Background in appellate litigation or complex legal matters
- Academic writing or publication experience
- Established professional networks in legal, academic, policy, or technology communities
- Understanding of how AI systems work and their societal implications
- Commitment to long-term engagement with the Center, with a preference for candidates interested a tenure of 5 years or more.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
Essential Skills:
- Deep understanding of legal doctrine, statutory interpretation, and regulatory frameworks
- Ability to grasp and explain complex legal concepts to non-lawyers and junior researchers
- Strong project management and organizational abilities
- Proactive work style with high standards for quality and attention to detail
- Patience and skill in developing junior talent
- Comfort with ambiguity and ability to structure open-ended research questions
- Sound judgment and discretion in handling sensitive matters
Valued Additional Expertise:
- Knowledge of AI technology, policy landscape, and governance frameworks
- Networks within Silicon Valley, AI labs, or tech policy organizations
- Experience translating complex technical concepts for policy and legal audiences
- Public communication and media engagement skills
- Experience briefing policymakers or testifying before legislative bodies
Personal Qualities:
- Low ego and genuine interest in supporting others’ success
- Enthusiasm for intellectual inquiry and academic discourse
- Collaborative mindset and comfort as a co-author rather than sole author
- Commitment to long-term institutional building
- Values-driven approach to work with focus on policy impact
WHY JOIN C4i and The AI Law & Innovation Institute
This role offers:
- Meaningful Impact: Your work will directly influence congressional legislation, federal agency policy, and Supreme Court cases
- Build AI Capability: Play a central role in establishing us as a leading voice on AI law and policy
- Intellectual Freedom: Focus on thoughtful, philosophical analysis rather than client demands or billable hours
- Collaborative Environment: Work closely with Professor Feldman and a talented, mission-driven team
- Work-Life Balance: Academic setting with flexibility and a more sustainable pace than legal practice or tech industry
- Legacy Building: Shape the next generation of legal minds while contributing to lasting policy change
- Long-Term Stability: This is designed as a long-term career position
Who Should Apply:
This position is ideal for accomplished legal professionals seeking their next chapter—whether you’re transitioning from decades of legal practice, bringing AI expertise from the technology sector, or combining both backgrounds. We’re looking for someone who values mentorship, collaboration, and policy impact over individual recognition.
Candidates with backgrounds in AI labs, tech companies, AI policy organizations, or AI safety initiatives are especially encouraged to apply.
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit the following materials:
- Cover letter explaining your interest in the position and how your background aligns with our mission
- Current CV or resume
- Writing sample (academic article, policy brief, legal memorandum, or other relevant work product)
- Names and contact information for three professional references
Target Start Date: April 2026 (flexible for the right candidate)
BENEFITS
Health and Welfare Benefits
- Comprehensive medical insurance coverage
- Flexible Spending Accounts for transportation-related, healthcare and dependent care expenses
- Employee Assistance Program
For your Financial Future
- Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, and Legal Insurance
- Deferred Compensation Plans/Pre-tax Retirement Savings Programs
For your Work/Life Balance
- Fifteen paid holidays per year
- Generous vacation and sick leave
- Commuter Benefits Program
THE HIRING PROCESS
This position has been designated as “sensitive” and requires a pre-employment background check.
Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please contact Human Resources if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Applicants who meet the position requirements will be competitively evaluated to identify the individuals whose breadth and depth of experience and education most closely relate to the stated requirements and the needs of the College. Depending on the quality and number of the applications received, only the better qualified applicants may be contacted for an interview. The position is open until filled.
UC Law SF is an equal opportunity employer. UC Law SF strives to provide a diverse and inclusive educational environment that fosters cultural awareness, mutual understanding and respect. UC Law SF is interested in candidates who will contribute to diversity and equal opportunity in higher education through their teaching. Qualified women and members of underrepresented minority groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
