Research Scientist, Legal Innovation through Frontier Technology Lab (liftlab), Stanford Law School

Job Description

Job Ttitle: Research Scientist, Legal Innovation through Frontier Technology Lab (liftlab), Stanford Law School

Company: Stanford University


Description: Learn about our array of employee benefits and what makes Stanford life unique.Areas of WorkTogether, we’re working towards our collective future. Find your role by browsing our areas of work.☰Research Scientist, Legal Innovation through Frontier Technology Lab (liftlab), Stanford Law School📁Information Analytics📅    Mar 07, 2025 Post Date📅    106073 Requisition #Apply for Job Share this Job Sign Up for Job AlertsNOTE: This position has been deemed critical/has specific funding, has been approved by the Law School for posting, and is exempt from the hiring freeze.Stanford’s liftlab seeks to increase access to high quality legal services in the private sector by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and other frontier technologies. We design, investigate and evaluate AI tools in legal education and private practice that are aimed to both reduce the cost and increase the quality of legal services in a sustainable and responsible way. To bridge the gap between theory and practice, our work extends beyond conceptualization and encompasses the building of prototypes that help explore the utility of AI-based solutions. We are currently seeking a Research Scientist to join our team who will report directly to the Lab Directors.As a Research Scientist you will:

• In partnership with the Directors and other staff, execute and administer research activities on AI and other legal technological developments; make recommendations on project development and implementation.
• Train classifiers, design/construct the architecture of AI platforms, build large language models (LLM) agents
• Oversee and support training of research assistants and student fellows on best practices and technical skills.
• Write and edit content for a variety of work product outputs, including peer-reviewed journal articles, white papers, project proposals, etc. Assist with the development of research grants, (i.e., may suggest new funding opportunities, write portions of grants, and/or summarize data for grant support).
• Represent the Lab and the specific projects for which the Research Scientist is responsible or is assisting in leading as the key contact and subject matter expert and develop communications for internal and external constituencies.
• Organize and/or participate in outreach activities such as events, partnerships, training, and conferences.
• May assist in the teaching and administration of courses at the intersection of AI & Law. Create and/or advise in the development of curriculum. Make recommendations for course improvements.

CORE DUTIES:

• Leveraging state-of-the-art large language models, administer research activities.
• Evaluate and develop new of modifications of usable data from complex data sources. Assess and produce relevant, standard, or custom information from structured data sources by querying data repositories and generating the associated information.
• Devise methods for identifying patterns and trends in valuable sources using software engineering principles and strong knowledge of at least programming language, such as Python or R; basic statistical ability. Determine and recommend additional data collection and reporting requirements.
• Design and disseminate reports, academic articles and law reviews to contribute to the body of emerging scholarship in the space of law and AI.
• Provide technical direction to other research staff and students.
• Identify and select usable data from subtle and complex data patterns to find ways to train LLMs on experiential knowledge. Use principles of engineering and related fields (linguistics, data science, natural sciences, statistics, etc.),
• Design methods to validate data to ensure high-quality output.
• Evaluate existing tools and develop new prototypes of technological solutions to legal problems to ensure research translates into meaningful improvements in legal service accessibility and quality.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:Education & Experience:Bachelor’s degree and at least three years of relevant experience or a combination of education, training, and relevant experience. Candidates with an advanced degree (JD, Masters, and/or PhD in relevant areas) may be particularly well-suited.Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• In-depth knowledge and experience using and applying analytical software, database management system software, database reporting software, database user interface and query software, and data mining software.
• Ability to collect data using a variety of methods, such as data mining and hardcopy or electronic documentation study, to improve or expand databases.
• Intermediate statistical ability.
• Strong listening, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple activities in a deadline-oriented environment; highly organized, flexible, and rigorous attention to detail.
• Ability to use logic to calculate data; efficiently construct a database or scrutinize the form of a question.
• Ability to work with data of varying levels of quality and validity.
• Demonstrated ability to produce data in a clear and understandable manner meeting user requirements.
• Ability to work effectively with multiple internal and external customers.
• Demonstrated experience in machine learning / deep learning / AI.
• Demonstrated interest in scientific research.
• Basic knowledge of software engineering principles and strong knowledge of at least one programming language, such as Python or R; basic statistical ability.
• Ability to work effectively with multiple internal and external stakeholders.

Nice to Have:

• Interest in the causal inference and social sciences, particularly law (although the relevant legal knowledge can be obtained on the job)

This position will be a two-year fixed-term appointment, subject to renewal.To be considered, please submit the following items along with your online application:

• CV
• Transcript (if graduated within 3 years)
• Project and code samples or GitHub

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.The expected pay range for this position is $104,358 to $128,038 per annum.
Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website ( ) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.Note: The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.Stanford Law School seeks to hire the best talent and to promote a safe and secure environment for all members of the university community and its property. To that end, new staff hires must successfully pass a background check prior to starting work at Stanford University.Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.Additional Information

• Schedule: Full-time
• Job Code: 4745
• Employee Status: Fixed-Term
• Grade: I
• Requisition ID: 106073
• Work Arrangement : Hybrid Eligible

My SubmissionsTrack your opportunities.© Stanford University. All rights reserved.Global Impact
We believe in having a global impactClimate and SustainabilityStanford’s deep commitment to sustainability practices has earned us a Platinum rating and inspired a new school aimed at tackling climate change.Medical InnovationsStanford’s Innovative Medicines Accelerator is currently focused entirely on helping faculty generate and test new medicines that can slow the spread of COVID-19.TechnologyFrom Google and PayPal to Netflix and Snapchat, Stanford has housed some of the most celebrated innovations in Silicon Valley.Advancing EducationThrough rigorous research, model training programs and partnerships with educators worldwide, Stanford is pursuing equitable, accessible and effective learning for all.Working Here
We believe you matter as much as the workI love that Stanford is supportive of learning, and as an education institution, that pursuit of knowledge extends to staff members through professional development, wellness, financial planning and staff affinity groups.Nora CataSchool of EngineeringI get to apply my real-world experiences in a setting that welcomes diversity in thinking and offers support in applying new methods. In my short time at Stanford, I’ve been able to streamline processes that provide better and faster information to our students.Phillip ChengOffice of the Vice Provost for Student AffairsBesides its contributions to science, health, and medicine, Stanford is also the home of pioneers across disciplines. Joining Stanford has been a great way to contribute to our society by supporting emerging leaders.Denisha ClarkSchool of MedicineI like working in a place where ideas matter. Working at Stanford means being part of a vibrant, international culture in addition to getting to do meaningful work.Laura LindOffice of the President and ProvostGetting Started
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ResourcesResourcesEqual Opportunity and Disability AccommodationsConsistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a .Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. See ; .Equal Opportunity and Disability AccommodationsConsistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a .Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. See

Salary: $104358 – 128038 per year

Location: Stanford, CA

Date: Sat, 29 Mar 2025 23:44:59 GMT


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