Senior Economist - Effects of Transformative AI

Responsibilities

• Lead development of economic models and scenarios to assess systemic risks from advanced AI (labor displacement, deflationary shocks, market concentration, financial instability).
• Identify early-warning indicators of economic instability and degraded living standards under rapid AI-driven change.
• Integrate labor economics, international economics, and macroprudential perspectives into forward-looking analyses tailored to UAE and regional contexts.
• Translate quantitative findings into clear policy guidance for government agencies, multilateral institutions, and private stakeholders in the UAE and the region.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams (policy, AI safety, international relations) to incorporate economic risk insights into broader AI risk frameworks.
• Produce high-quality research outputs, briefings, and presentations adapted for non-specialist decision makers across the Middle East.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to program development for regional research and engagement activities.

Requirements

• PhD (preferred) or advanced degree in Economics
• Labor economics
• International economics
• Publication record
• Econometrics
• Python or R
• Policy familiarity
• Systems thinking
• Strong writing

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with macroprudential or financial stability analysis
• Training in applied quantitative methods and causal inference
• Experience in scenario planning, foresight, or complex adaptive systems
• Familiarity with AI capabilities and economic impacts
• Background in political economy and power-concentration analysis
• Prior experience with multilateral institutions, government, or regional policy engagement
• Behavioral economics expertise relevant to disruptive transitions

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based adjustments
• Health insurance for employee (and options for family coverage)
• Annual leave and paid time off
• Annual ticket / flight allowance
• End-of-service gratuity (per UAE labor regulations)
• Relocation support where applicable and visa assistance for UAE-based hires

About the Company

CARMA (Center for AI Risk Management & Alignment) conducts research and develops policy frameworks to reduce catastrophic and systemic risks from advanced AI systems. We combine rigorous analysis, technical safety approaches, and global perspectives to support durable AI safety. This position will be based in the UAE (Dubai) and engage with regional stakeholders while contributing to CARMA's international research agenda. CARMA is a fiscally sponsored project; hiring terms for UAE-based employees will follow local employment practices.