Washington Post seeks an artificial intelligence/algorithm reporter

The Washington Post is seeking a reporter to explore how a few tech giants are harvesting the immense power of artificial intelligence and algorithms to shape what we buy, read, watch, believe – and so much more.

AI is already transforming business – and its impact on the military, governments and consumers will only grow, with huge implications for privacy and jobs. Google, a particular focus of this beat, is the behemoth in this space, but Amazon, Microsoft, Facebook and IBM are also big players and will be vigorously covered.

This reporter, who will be based in our San Francisco office, should be able to explain how new applications of these technologies affect people’s lives, as well as explore the societal debates they stoke. This person should be well-sourced at Google and have a plan to dig into the myriad ways it and other companies collect data on the billions of people who use its services.

This reporter will have the skills to break news frequently and produce compelling enterprise. The ability to work collaboratively with other reporters on this highly competitive beat is essential.

The AI reporter will be part of a significant expansion of our technology team, which will include the hiring of reporters, editors and video journalists in San Francisco, Seattle and our Washington newsroom.

Interested candidates should send a resume, cover letter and three clips to David Cho David.Cho@washpost.com, Zachary Goldfarb Zachary.Goldfarb@washpost.com, Christina Passariello Christina.Passariello@washpost.com, or Tracy Grant Tracy.Grant@washpost.com by Nov. 9.