Roles and Responsibilities in the Lab

Introduction

Reality AI Lab is a collaborative hub for open-source innovation, offering contributors opportunities to work in diverse roles that match their skills and interests. Whether you're coding, mentoring, or managing projects, there’s a place for you in our ecosystem. This guide outlines the key roles and responsibilities within the lab to help you find where you fit best.

1. Lab Contributor

Who are Lab Contributors?

Lab Contributors are the backbone of the Reality AI Lab community. They independently work on specific tasks, including coding, testing, and documentation.

Responsibilities:

• Contribute to open-source repositories by writing and optimizing code.
• Review and improve project documentation to ensure clarity and usability.
• Participate in discussions on GitHub issues, proposing solutions and collaborating with others.
• Test new features and report bugs.

Skills Required:

• Familiarity with GitHub workflows (fork, branch, pull requests).
• Proficiency in the programming language(s) used in the project.
• Attention to detail for maintaining code quality and documentation standards.

2. Squad Maintainer

Who are Squad Maintainers?

Squad Maintainers oversee specific features or modules within a project. They act as leaders for smaller "squads" of contributors, ensuring tasks are prioritized and completed efficiently.

Responsibilities:

• Review and merge pull requests within the assigned feature area.
• Guide contributors by clarifying requirements and answering questions.
• Prioritize issues and create tasks for contributors to work on.
• Monitor the health and progress of the feature/module.

Skills Required:

• In-depth knowledge of the project's architecture.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Experience with code reviews and debugging.

3. Core Maintainer

Who are Core Maintainers?

Core Maintainers lead the strategic direction of Reality AI Lab projects. They make critical architectural decisions and ensure the overall health and governance of the project.

Responsibilities:

• Define and communicate the long-term vision for the project.
• Make decisions about architectural changes and new features.
• Oversee the project's roadmap and ensure milestones are met.
• Maintain project governance and uphold community standards.
• Represent the project in collaborations with external organizations.

Skills Required:

• Advanced technical expertise in AI and software development.
• Leadership and decision-making abilities.
• Deep understanding of open-source project governance.

4. Lab Manager

Who are Lab Managers?

Lab Managers take on a high-level leadership role, focusing on resource management, partnerships, and community impact. They ensure the lab operates smoothly and aligns with its mission of advancing AI for education and career development.

Responsibilities:

• Manage resources, including funding, tools, and contributors.
• Build and maintain partnerships with organizations, educators, and developers.
• Oversee community engagement strategies and foster collaboration.
• Drive the lab’s mission of creating impactful AI tools.

Skills Required:

• Strategic thinking and planning.
• Excellent people management and organizational skills.
• Experience in building partnerships and community engagement.

5. Mentor

Who are Mentors?

Mentors are experienced contributors who guide newcomers, sharing their expertise to help others grow. They play a vital role in fostering a welcoming and collaborative community.

Responsibilities:

• Onboard new contributors by explaining workflows and best practices.
• Provide guidance on technical issues and project contributions.
• Host workshops, webinars, or hackathons to engage the community.
• Offer career advice to aspiring developers and researchers.

Skills Required:

• Deep technical expertise in AI, software development, or a related field.
• Patience and strong interpersonal skills.
• Passion for teaching and empowering others.

Choosing the Right Role for You

Whether you're just starting out or have years of experience, there’s a role that matches your skills and goals:

• Beginner: Start as a Lab Contributor to learn the basics of open-source collaboration.
• Intermediate: Join as a Squad Maintainer to take ownership of a specific feature or module.
• Advanced: Contribute as a Core Maintainer or Mentor to guide the project and community.
• Leader: Become a Lab Manager to shape the overall vision and strategy of Reality AI Lab.

How to Get Involved

Ready to join the team? Here’s how:

1. Visit our Careers Page to explore open opportunities.
2. Submit your application by completing the relevant application form.

Each role plays an essential part in driving Reality AI Lab’s mission of advancing AI for education and career development. Find your place, contribute your skills, and help shape the future of open-source AI innovation