“Techno-Cautious-Optimist”
Professional Experience
Independent AI Research
Independent Research Project “TraDe” (September 2023 - Present)
Built an automated interpretability technique called Transformer Decompiler (TraDe) from the ground up.
Funded by a Research Grant from Open Philanthropy / Hasler Foundation
In Collaboration with the Pattern Recognition Research Group (Uni Bern)
Employed as a Researcher (Jan-May 2024) at the University of Bern
Collaboration with Jeremy Scheurer of Appollo Research (November 2023 - Present)
Generated a dataset of interpretability testbeds
Created an evaluation tool for LLMs that investigates their ability to code in a novel programming language.
Bühler
Quarterly AI Consulting (February 2024 - Present)
Advised on the long-term strategy in and application of AI
Zetcom
AI-Intern (June - September 2022)
Set up an evaluation framework for deep learning APIs in NLP and computer vision.
Integrated the APIs in the existing code base.
Consulted on the future use of various AI-based technology.
Filmmaking
Self-employed at Lyght (2019-2023)
Produced videos for big and small companies
Advised on advertisement and communication strategy
Project manager at Video Factory (2017 - 2019)
Oversaw and implemented the production of Video Advertisements
Played a pivotal role in shaping the company's overall strategic direction.
Swiss Military
Mandatory Service (2018)
Completed the 18-week Swiss military school as a reconnaissance specialist.
Projects
AI safety fundamentals
Founded the organisation “Bern AI Safety” BAIS to facilitate six-week courses on the fundamentals of AI safety with a focus on the alignment problem.
GPT-2 Interpretability
Took part in an Appart Research Interpretability-Hackathon and won 2nd prize for examining GPT-2 to localize the circuits responsible for its ability to handle brackets. (Project Report)
Evolutionary training and hyperparameter search
Created a custom RNN from the ground up in Python and performed hyperparameter optimisation through evolutionary training (bachelor thesis).
Reddit-like student platform
Won first prize in the University of Bern software development competition with a typescript-based forum platform for students.
AI-powered retro games
Developed JavaScript games like Asteroids, Space Invaders, and Flappy Birds using primitive AI improved through genetic algorithms.
Time management app
Worked on both frontend (Flutter) and backend (Kotlin) development for an app that streamlines project management data from Everhour and Runn, as part of a small team. The app is now in use at a Software Company (Devedis)
Education
BSc in Computer Science at University of Bern September 2020 - August 2023
Minor in mathematics, philosophy and information systems.
Teaching assistant in “programming for scientists”
Skills & Hobbies
Programming Languages: Python, Java, Javascript/Typescript, Dart
Frameworks: TensorFlow / Keras, PyTorch, Flutter, Angular
Languages: English, German (both equally fluent)
Hobbies: Programming, Fitness, Landscape Photography, Paragliding
Interests: Philosophy, Politics, History of Technology, Data Visualisations
Why AI safety?
A few yers ago AI safety seemed like a topic only relevant in sci-fi movies. I still have a lot of sympathy for this position. Read more about it and why i now care so deeply about AI safety in this blog post i wrote in 2022:
