The Centre for the Governance of AI (GovAI) is inviting applications for its prestigious Research Fellow position, offering experienced researchers the opportunity to contribute to shaping the global future of AI governance. The fellowship is a two-year, full-time role, with the potential for renewal, and provides an intellectually vibrant environment for scholars interested in high-impact, independent research related to advanced AI systems and their governance.
Application Deadline: 23:59 BST on Sunday, 20 July 2025
About GovAI
Founded to support humanity through the transition to advanced AI, GovAI has emerged as a leading institution in the field of AI governance. The organization conducts interdisciplinary research spanning political science, law, computer science, economics, philosophy, and policy, with a mission to ensure that artificial intelligence is developed and deployed for the public good.
GovAI’s work has been published in leading academic journals, such as Science and Nature, and its researchers advise policymakers in governments, tech companies, and multilateral institutions. Alumni have moved into influential positions in organizations such as DeepMind, OpenAI, RAND, the UK and US governments, and top universities like Oxford and Cambridge.
Role Description
Research Fellows at GovAI play a central role in defining and delivering on the institution’s research agenda. Fellows conduct autonomous research projects while contributing to the organization’s broader strategic goals. Their work may take the form of academic publications, policy reports, blog posts, or strategic advice to policymakers.
In addition to research, Fellows are expected to:
- Mentor junior researchers, including Summer and Winter Fellows
- Help shape institutional research strategy
- Collaborate across GovAI’s internal teams and its wider network
- Contribute to public discourse and policy engagement
GovAI supports its Fellows by offering guidance from senior researchers, access to a global collaborative network, and funding for dissemination, travel, and wellbeing.
Research Areas of Interest
Research Fellows work across a wide range of themes relevant to frontier AI systems. Current areas of interest include:
- Risk and Security: AI risk assessment, biosecurity, cybersecurity, and loss-of-control risks
- Policy and Regulation: International governance, regulatory frameworks, and AI industrial policy
- Technical Governance: Agent governance, compute policy, and integration of technical and policy insights
- Economics and Global Impact: AI-driven economic shifts, global diffusion, and geopolitical consequences
- AI Landscape: Trends in AI development, global capabilities, and AI in China and the Middle East
Eligibility and Ideal Candidate Profile
GovAI seeks candidates from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds. Past Fellows have included individuals with expertise in philosophy, public policy, law, economics, political science, and computer science. Practical experience advising governments or organizations is highly valued.
Essential Qualifications:
- A strong track record of impactful, high-quality research relevant to AI governance
- Demonstrated commitment to positively shaping AI’s societal impact
- Broad familiarity with core issues in AI governance
- Capacity to work independently and collaboratively
- A clear explanation of how joining GovAI would increase their impact
Preferred Qualities:
- Self-directed with a focus on real-world impact
- Strong research prioritization and judgment
- Intellectual honesty and clarity in communication
- Motivation to foster a collaborative research culture
GovAI particularly encourages applications from individuals with deep domain expertise—such as in US AI policy, technical safety, or international governance—and those with experience leading policy initiatives or advising key decision-makers.
Location, Duration, and Compensation
- Contract Duration: Two years, full-time (renewable)
- Preferred Location: London, UK; remote or hybrid options available for certain roles
- Visa Sponsorship: Available in the UK and US
Salary Range:
£80,000–£100,000 for London-based roles (~$110,000–$130,000 USD). Adjustments may be made for high-cost-of-living regions like San Francisco or based on specific candidate needs.
Benefits Include:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- £5,000 annual wellbeing budget
- Annual travel allowance
- Flexible working hours
- Generous vacation policy (33 days including public holidays)
- 10% employer pension contribution
- Ergonomic office equipment and extended parental leave
Application Process
The process consists of three stages:
- Written Application
- Paid Work Test, potentially including a research agenda proposal
- Final Interviews and Reference Checks
A shared application exists for both the Research Fellow and Visiting Research Scholar tracks. Applicants will automatically be considered for both, based on their experience level.
For inquiries related to accessibility, application logistics, or location flexibility, applicants are encouraged to reach out directly at: [email protected]
GovAI welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and encourages those passionate about its mission to apply—even if their experience does not align perfectly with every listed qualification.
Visit Here for more information and to apply.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring organization. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
