As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms society, global policy and risk management must keep pace. The Centre for the Governance of AI (GovAI) is seeking experienced researchers for its GovAI Research Fellowship 2026, a two-year, fully funded, renewable appointment designed to advance impactful research and guide decision-makers across government and industry.
This fellowship offers a rare platform to lead independent research, mentor up-and-coming scholars, and directly advise policymakers on critical issues surrounding advanced AI.
What Makes the GovAI Research Fellowship Unique?
Unlike standard post-doctoral positions, the GovAI Research Fellowship acts as a strategic hub for high-level policy influence. Fellows do not merely analyze technology; they build actionable frameworks for global governance.
Fellows establish their own research agendas while working closely with leading thinkers, international institutions, and policy labs such as OpenAI, Google DeepMind, and top government agencies.
Key Focus Areas
Fellows drive progress across core domains of artificial intelligence governance, including:
AI Risk & Safety: Threat modeling, catastrophic risk prevention, and technical AI safety protocols.
Global Regulation & Policy: Public policy development, AI hardware governance, and international cooperation.
Economic & Strategic Impacts: Geopolitics of AI, technical governance, and labor market transformations.
Exceptional Compensation & Support Package
GovAI offers a highly competitive salary and benefits package tailored to location and professional experience:
Competitive Compensation:
London (UK): £84,000 – £103,500 per year.
Washington, DC (USA): $134,500 – $170,000 per year.
Adjustments are provided for high cost-of-living areas.
Dedicated Annual Budgets: £5,000 allowance each for professional development, personal wellbeing, and childcare support, plus a £4,500 coworking stipend for remote researchers.
Comprehensive Healthcare & Pension: Full health, dental, and vision coverage, complemented by a 10% employer pension contribution.
Generous Time Off: 33 paid vacation days annually (including public holidays) alongside extended parental leave and flexible working options.
Visa Sponsorship: Full UK visa sponsorship is provided (US visa support is offered selectively).
Role & Core Responsibilities
Research Fellows operate at the intersection of scholarship and practical governance. As a fellow, you will:
Conduct Independent Research: Author policy briefs, white papers, and academic publications addressing high-priority governance questions.
Advise Global Leaders: Direct consultation with government bodies, civil society, and leading technology firms.
Mentor Junior Talent: Supervise Research Scholars and early-career participants within the broader GovAI network.
Drive Collaborative Events: Organize international seminars, policy roundtables, and strategic workshops.
Candidate Eligibility & Qualifications
GovAI evaluates applicants based on research depth and potential impact rather than rigid formal credentials.
Experience: Several years of demonstrated research or policy expertise in fields related to AI governance (e.g., computer science, law, public policy, political science, economics, or cybersecurity).
Track Record: Proven ability to publish original, high-quality analysis and formulate clear, actionable strategies.
Mentorship & Collaboration: A collaborative mindset with strong communication skills and a desire to guide junior researchers.
Academic Background: Open to candidates from academia, civil society, government, or private industry—no specific degree is required.
How the Application & Selection Process Works
The selection process evaluates a candidate's analytical judgment and problem-solving skills through a structured, multi-stage review:
Stage 1: Online written application submission.
Stage 2: Abstract reasoning assessment.
Stage 3: Paid remote work test(s) focused on developing a detailed research proposal for your initial time at GovAI.
Stage 4: Final interviews and reference verification.
For full details on open applications and requirements, visit the official