Senior Research Manager

SENIOR RESEARCH MANAGER

Center for Innovation (C4i)

Classification: Level 4 / Class 2052 / Contract / Full Time (on-site/hybrid) / Exempt / Benefitted / Non-Represented

Hiring Salary: $80,000 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 experienced Senior Legal Research Manager to support high-impact legal research at the intersection of law, technology, pharmaceutical regulation, and policy. We provide 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 a legally trained researcher with a strong academic foundation and a genuine interest in policy impact. You will serve as a senior leader within the research team -- managing and mentoring junior research managers, contributing to scholarly publications, and supporting Professor Feldman's research agenda across law, technology, pharmaceutical regulation, and AI policy. This is a role for someone who brings both research depth and the maturity to guide a team, and who is looking for a substantive long-term position at the intersection of legal scholarship and national policy.

The ideal applicant will have a J.D. and an advanced degree or equivalent research experience, with a demonstrated track record in legal scholarship and academic writing. Candidates with backgrounds in technology law, AI policy, privacy, intellectual property, or pharmaceutical regulation are particularly encouraged to apply.

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 meaningful role in supporting that work, and candidates who bring experience or coursework in AI policy, AI governance, or technology law are strongly encouraged to apply.

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.

Research & Scholarship

• Contribute to scholarly articles and publications led by Professor Feldman on AI law, healthcare policy, intellectual property, and pharmaceutical regulation
• Translate Professor Feldman's research vision into actionable plans and assignments for the team
• Lead research initiatives with the goal of placement in top law journals and policy outlets
• Conduct sophisticated legal analysis on complex, novel issues at the intersection of law, technology, and policy
• Support the full publication process from initial research through final placement
• Serve as a substantive resource and sounding board for Professor Feldman on active research initiatives

Team Leadership & Mentorship

• Lead and manage a team of junior research managers, including assigning work, setting priorities, and providing day-to-day guidance
• Provide hands-on coaching on legal research methodology, analytical thinking, and academic writing
• Review work product regularly to ensure quality and provide early course correction
• Support team members' professional development, including preparation for law school and legal careers
• Maintain a high-quality, low-error culture through short iteration cycles and proactive feedback

AI Policy & Thought Leadership

• Develop working expertise in AI law, policy, governance, and safety as it relates to C4i's research agenda
• Monitor and synthesize developments in AI technology and policy for the team
• Contribute to the AI Law & Innovation Institute's growing presence as a leading voice on AI law
• Write and contribute to policy briefs, op-eds, and public-facing content on AI and emerging technologies

External Engagement & Operations

• Build and maintain relationships within academic, policy, and technology communities
• Represent the AI Law & Innovation Institute at conferences and professional events
• Support fundraising and development efforts
• Contribute to institutional planning and operations

REQUIREMENTS

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
• Advanced degree (LL.M., J.S.D., or PhD) or equivalent legal research experience strongly preferred
• Demonstrated experience in legal research, academic writing, and scholarly publication
• Proven ability to lead, manage, or mentor junior researchers or colleagues
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Commitment to rigorous, high-quality work product
• Ability to work collaboratively within a research team environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in AI policy, AI governance, technology law, or adjacent fields
• Background in one or more of C4i's focus areas: healthcare law, pharmaceutical regulation, or intellectual property
• Academic writing or publication record, including law journal articles, policy briefs, or white papers
• Experience working in or alongside policy organizations, government agencies, or academic research centers
• Familiarity with how AI systems work and their legal and societal implications
• Established networks in legal, academic, or policy communities
• Interest in a longer-term engagement with the Center

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Essential Skills:

• Strong grounding in legal doctrine, statutory interpretation, and regulatory frameworks
• Ability to translate complex legal concepts for junior researchers and non-specialist audiences
• Sound project management and organizational skills
• High standards for quality and attention to detail
  
• Patience and genuine interest in developing junior talent
• Comfort structuring open-ended research questions with limited direction

Valued Additional Expertise:

• Familiarity with AI technology, policy landscape, and governance frameworks
• Experience translating technical concepts for legal or policy audiences
• Public writing or communication experience
  

Personal Qualities:

• Low ego and genuine investment in the team's success
• Intellectual curiosity and enthusiasm for academic discourse
• Collaborative mindset and comfort contributing to others' work
• Values-driven approach with a focus on policy impact

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.

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: July/August 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.