Earth Species Project

We are a non-profit research lab founded in 2018. We use artificial intelligence to understand and decode animal communication. We work in the Technology, Information, and Internet sectors.

We develop large language models (LLMs) to analyze data from many species. Our audio-language model for bioacoustics, NatureLM-audio, is trained on vast datasets. It learns to recognize bioacoustic signals, which makes it adaptable for different tasks and species. Our AI models and tools help researchers automatically detect, classify, and analyze information in large ethology datasets that haven’t been labeled.

Our current research includes studying communication in crows, beluga whales, elephants, chiff-chaffs, humpback whales, and zebra finches. For example, we are exploring how to generate new vocalizations for research, starting with captive zebra finches in partnership with McGill University. We also map the vocalizations of crow species, like the Hawaiian crow, to help reintroduction efforts, and the carrion crow, to understand how they coordinate in groups. Our research that involves manipulating animal vocalizations follows strict ethical guidelines.

As a 501©(3) nonprofit, we receive funding from individuals and foundations, including Reid Hoffman, Chris Larsen, Steve Jurvetson, Waverley Street Foundation, and the National Geographic Society.

Our vision is to foster a relationship with nature that supports all life. We use advanced AI to give nature a voice, aiming to change human perspectives and systems. We believe AI can help us better understand and learn from other species, which will change how we interact with the natural world.

Our values include:

• We are committed to the frontier, working quickly, flexibly, and iteratively, always staying current with technology.
• We value collective foresight, collaborating and understanding what drives systems to have a greater collective impact.
• We are provocative, breaking down barriers, questioning the status quo, and sharing knowledge openly.
• We have moral courage, upholding ethical standards, standing up for what’s right, and taking responsibility for our work’s potential benefits and risks.
• We are playful, driven by curiosity and wonder about the natural world.
• We are kind to each other, fostering empathy and connection among our team members.

We are a fully remote global team. Our team includes technology and non-profit leaders, AI researchers, engineers, and ethologists. We foster an inclusive environment that supports creativity and innovation because we know our success depends on diversity.

We started a Discord server in 2021 to connect AI researchers, bioacousticians, ethologists, and enthusiasts worldwide. We collaborate with biologists and conservation institutions. Team members can join fieldwork and attend regular team retreats held globally.

We offer:

• Competitive pay
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, with us covering 100% of the premium
• 401k plan with match (for US-based employees)
• 2,000 USD home office stipend
• Unlimited paid time off (minimum three weeks recommended)
• Flexible working hours
• Opportunities to collaborate with biologists and conservation institutions.
• Fieldwork opportunities for data collection, including bioacoustic and behavioral ecology in places like Alaska, Monterey Bay, California, and the Congo rainforest.
• Regular global team retreats.