IT Lead

About Constellation

Constellation is an independent research center that brings together people throughout the AI safety ecosystem to accelerate insight, research, and talent through better cooperation. Unlike a conference or summit, Constellation operates continuously, in the form of a physical workspace as well as conference-style talks, workshops, and training bootcamps. Continuous operation allows for relationships and conversations to develop over time, meaningfully fostering trust, collaboration, and shared insight. It also makes Constellation a natural field-building hub by rapidly inspiring, orienting, and connecting people who are newer to the field.

Based in Berkeley, CA, our shared workspace hosts over 100 people per week across dozens of AI safety organizations in nonprofits, academia, industry, and government. Hundreds of other researchers spend time at Constellation for shorter visits each year. We believe this is the strongest and highest-output network of AI safety researchers in the world; dozens of participants in past Constellation programs have gone on to safety-focused roles at companies such as METR, Redwood Research, Anthropic, Google DeepMind, OpenAI, and the US and UK Safety Institutes. Our core team currently includes 17 members and is expected to grow to 25–30 by the end of the year. In addition, we work closely with an extended team of 5–10 collaborators.

For more information, see our research focus areas and selected publications from Constellation fellows.

About the role

We’re seeking a proactive and versatile IT Lead to improve our IT infrastructure, supporting staff and users in a fast-paced research environment. You will manage our enterprise network, office technology, and cloud services. You’ll also troubleshoot complex issues and teach other team members to solve common IT needs. 

Our multi-floor workspace in downtown Berkeley operates more like a high-growth startup than a nonprofit, hosting numerous research organizations, members, and visitors. As the backbone of our IT operations and InfoSec, you’ll balance day-to-day troubleshooting with strategic projects and security governance.

You will collaborate closely with the Operations team on facilities, AV, physical security, and event logistics. You’ll also have the opportunity to engage with leading AI safety experts. This is a full-time, on-site role in Berkeley, CA, with core hours from 9 AM to 5 PM and occasional off-hours for upgrades or urgent issues.

Key responsibilities

Network & Infrastructure Management

- Maintain and optimize our enterprise WiFi network (Ubiquiti preferred)

- Administer staff IT systems, accounts, and cloud services

- Manage and secure office devices (staff laptops, guest kiosks, room reservation tablets, etc.)

IT Strategy, Projects & Vendor Management

- Develop and execute a roadmap for IT improvements and updates

- Plan and implement IT infrastructure projects (e.g., upgrading guest sign-in kiosks)

- Select and manage IT vendors and service providers

Information Security & Compliance

- Lead IT security program including risk assessment, vulnerability management, and incident response

- Conduct security audits, penetration testing coordination, and threat monitoring

- Implement and enforce policies on endpoint protection, data security, access control, and device management

- Maintain IT documentation: network diagrams, system configurations, SOPs, and security policies

- Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory or contractual security requirements

End-User Support & Training

- Provide technical support escalation for researchers, visitors, and staff

- Train other team members to solve common user IT needs

- Lead IT onboarding, training, and offboarding for staff, including security awareness training

Collaboration & Communication

- Work cross-functionally with Operations on facilities, AV, physical security, and event logistics

- Communicate technical information clearly to non-technical stakeholders

Skills & Experience

- Experience managing and troubleshooting enterprise WiFi networks (Ubiquiti strongly preferred)

- Expertise in enterprise Google Workspace administration

- Strong background in IT security best practices: endpoint protection, device management, vulnerability assessment, incident response, and ITSM principles

-Experience conducting security audits, implementing security policies, and managing compliance

- Proven ability to balance urgent requests with long-term strategic initiatives

- Excellent problem-solving and project management skills

- Clear, concise communication skills, both written and verbal

- Hands-on technical support experience with highly technical users

- Strong customer-oriented mindset focused on improving user experience

- Vendor and partner management experience

You might be a good fit if you:

- Care deeply about AI safety and researcher productivity

- Enjoy helping users one-on-one

- Thrive in fast-paced, high-stakes environments

- Can juggle and prioritize multiple competing requests effectively

- Take proactive ownership of your work, including gray areas

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation will depend on experience and will likely be $133,000 - $173,000.

Our benefits include:

Generous vacation policy

401(k) with employer match

Employer-paid commuter benefits

PPO health, dental, and vision insurance

Catered lunches and dinners, plus unlimited snacks & drinks

Regular interaction with AI safety researchers and thought leaders

A friendly, mission-driven team

Logistics

We value diversity in all respects and base our hiring decisions on the needs of the organization and individual qualifications.  We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age or disability.

This is a full-time, on-site position at our Berkeley office, just steps from the nearest BART (metro) and bus stop. On-site parking is also available.

If you're excited about helping humanity safely navigate the development of transformative AI, we encourage you to apply—even if you’re unsure whether you meet every qualification.