All manner of companies and tech leaders have been predicting when AGI will be achieved, but we might have one of the surest signs that it’s already here — or is just around the corner.
Google Deepmind is hiring a Post-AGI researcher for its London office. As per a job listing on internet boards, Google Deepmind is looking for a “Research Scientist, Post-AGI Research”. “We are seeking a Research Scientist to explore the profound impact of what comes after AGI,” the job listing says.
“At Google DeepMind, we’ve built a unique culture and work environment where long-term ambitious research can flourish. We are seeking a highly motivated Research Scientist to join our team and contribute to groundbreaking research that will focus on what comes after Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). Key questions include the trajectory of AGI to artificial superintelligence (ASI), machine consciousness, the impact of AGI on the foundations of human society,” says the job listing.
“We are seeking a Research Scientist to explore the profound impact of what comes after AGI. Key responsibilities include defining critical research questions within these domains, collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop innovative solutions, and conducting experiments to advance our mission,” it adds.
Google Deepmind says the role involves leading research projects to explore the impact of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) on critical domains such as economics, law, health and wellbeing, the transition from AGI to Artificial Superintelligence (ASI), machine consciousness, and education. It says the candidate will develop and conduct in-depth studies to analyze AGI’s societal effects, collaborating with cross-functional teams and external partners to advance research objectives. By diving deeply into these areas, the role aims to enhance understanding of AGI’s implications and map potential outcomes. Additionally, the candidate will build and refine measurement infrastructure and evaluation frameworks to systematically assess AI’s societal impacts.
Candidates would need a PhD degree in one computer science, mathematics, machine learning, political science, sociology, philosophy or economics, and knowledge of machine learning and statistics. They would also need a “passion for artificial intelligence”.
Most top AI labs have been predicting that AGI is imminent. Meta’s Chief AI Scientist Yann LeCun has said that AGI will arrive in 5-10 years. Softbank CEO Masayoshi Son has said that AGI will arrive “much sooner” than in 2-3 years, and OpenAI has suggested that AGI could arrive before 2027. Google hasn’t made a similar pronouncement, but is already hiring for post-AGI researchers. It remains to be seen when AGI actually materializes, but it seems that the top AI labs are in agreement that it will soon be upon us.