AI GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT (LEGAL AFFAIRS) (1)

Position Overview
The Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Smart Technologies (CAIST) invites applications for the position of AI Graduate Research Assistant – Legal Affairs. This role operates at the critical intersection of Law, Policy, and Technology, tasked with bridging the gap between technical AI innovation and regulatory frameworks.The successful candidate will drive the Centre’s responsible AI agenda, ensuring that all research and commercial solutions comply with data protection laws (e.g., Zimbabwe Data Protection Act, GDPR), intellectual property regulations, and ethical standards. You will transition from academic theory to practical application, producing high-impact policy briefs, managing compliance for commercial projects, and shaping the governance of emerging technologies.

Person Specifications
Essential Qualifications. Education
A Bachelor’s Degree (First Class or Upper Second) in Law (LL. B), Information Laws, or a dual degree in Law and Computer Science/Information Systems/Data Science/Artificial Intelligence/Intellectual Property.
Status: Must be a recent graduate (graduated within the past 24 months).
Age Limit: Must be 27 years of age or below at the time of application.Desirable Skills
Knowledge of the Zimbabwe Data Protection Act and Cybersecurity & Data Protection Bill.
Proficiency in legal research databases and basic data analysis tools.
High digital literacy in AI, emerging technologies or technical concepts (ability to understand the technology being regulated).
Skills Key Competencies
Analytical Agility: Ability to interpret complex legislation and apply it to novel technological contexts.
Communication: Exceptional legal drafting and presentation skills.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Comfort working alongside technical engineering teams.Benefits
Mentorship: Direct guidance from leading researchers in AI and Tech Law.
Career Acceleration: Practical experience in the high-growth field of AI Governance and Legal Tech.
Academic Exposure: Opportunities to co-author top-tier publications and present at international conferences.
Remuneration: Competitive monthly stipend.

Core Accountabilities
1. Legal Research & Policy Development
Regulatory Analysis: Conduct rigorous research into evolving legal frameworks, AI governance, and cybersecurity laws to advise the Centre on compliance and risk.
Publication: Draft and publish policy briefs, whitepapers, and legal opinions on algorithmic accountability, digital rights, and the ethical deployment of AI.Grant Support: contribute to research grant proposals by drafting regulatory impact assessments and compliance frameworks.
2. Compliance, IP & Commercial Support
IP Management: Oversee the documentation and protection of the Centre’s Intellectual Property (IP) and innovation pipeline.Project Compliance: Collaborate with ML Engineers to ensure datasets and models adhere to copyright laws, informed consent, and data privacy standards.
Commercial Agreements: Assist in drafting and reviewing Memorandums of Understanding (Mo. Us), Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), and service contracts for industry partners.
3. Capacity Building & Advisory
Tech-Legal Translation: Work within interdisciplinary teams to translate complex legal requirements into technical specifications for software developers.
Training: Facilitate workshops and seminars on "AI Ethics and Law" for staff, students, and external stakeholders.
Monitoring: Maintain internal compliance checklists and track international regulatory changes to ensure CAIST remains ahead of the curve.

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Additional Links:
• Click to Apply / View More Information: https://jobs.buse.ac.zw/applicant/vacancy/60/show (opens in new window)