Associate Head, Karya Institute

Location: Bengaluru (hybrid); moderate travel involved
Experience: 6+ years
Salary: Competitive, commensurate with experience

Karya

Karya is pioneering the world’s first ethical data platform, founded in 2021 in Bengaluru, India. The company is on a mission to create accelerated pathways out of poverty by offering dignified digital work to underserved communities, while delivering high-quality datasets to the world’s leading AI companies. Karya’s innovative platform breaks complex AI data tasks into micro-tasks, distributing them to individuals in rural and low-income regions, enabling them to earn nearly 20 times the Indian minimum wage.

With more than 50 million tasks completed and over 100,000 workers impacted, Karya stands out by blending technology with social impact. The company champions inclusivity by creating culturally sensitive AI training data and supports multiple Indian languages and dialects, extending its reach globally into Kenya and Ethiopia. Karya’s work has been recognized internationally, featuring on the cover of Time Magazine and acknowledged by leaders like Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. Supported by giants like Microsoft, Google, and the Gates Foundation, Karya is shaping a fairer future where AI benefits everyone, especially those traditionally left behind.

Role

Karya invites an experienced researcher to join as Associate Head at the Karya Institute, an internal think tank dedicated to exploring the future of ethical digital gig work and AI-driven labour markets. This mid-level management role offers the opportunity to lead evidence generation, shape the research agenda, and manage a team of specialists driving impactful research on skilling, labour, and markets.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of research specialists in labour, skilling, and digital market dynamics
• Develop and execute a cohesive research strategy aligned with Karya’s mission
• Manage a portfolio of research projects, overseeing design, data collection, analysis, and dissemination
• Serve as the Principal Investigator, ensuring rigorous, relevant research outputs communicated effectively to diverse audiences
• Collaborate with donors, partners, and stakeholders to secure funding and manage project delivery
• Engage in external forums, conferences, and events to promote Karya’s research
• Foster innovation and continuous improvement within the research team

Requirements

• Master’s degree or PhD in Economics, Public Policy, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or related fields
• At least 6+ years of experience in research roles with expertise in labour economics, workforce development, or related areas
• Proven track record managing complex research projects from inception to publication
• Experience engaging with donors, managing budgets and timelines
• Skills in quantitative and qualitative research methods and data analysis tools (GSuite, R/Python/STATA/Tableau, NVIVO/MaxQDA)
• Strong leadership, communication, and presentation skills
• Self-motivated, proactive, with a passion for social impact and workforce development

Benefits

• Competitive salary with perks and career growth opportunities
• Flexible vacation and work-from-home options
• Industry-standard insurance and benefits
• Access to industry networks and learning opportunities
• Work in a mission-driven, inclusive, fast-growing environment

Apply

Karya is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact hr@karya.in.