Director of Research, Institute for Ethics in AI

The University of Oxford is seeking to appoint a Director of Research to lead and develop the new Stephen A. Schwarzman Accelerator Fellowship Programme in Ethics, AI and Governance.  This is an opportunity for a charismatic and entrepreneurial leader to provide intellectual and strategic vision in ensuring the long-term success of this programme.

The five-year Accelerator Fellowship Programme will build on the core disciplinary strengths of the Institute for Ethics in AI and the University of Oxford, especially in moral philosophy, political philosophy, and legal philosophy. The programme will work in close collaboration with the Department of Computer Science at Oxford and with colleagues at other institutions across the world to address foundational challenges in regulation, both legal and political, across numerous jurisdictions. It will achieve global reach as well as local capacity building in both Oxford and elsewhere.

The Director of Research will bring leadership and stewardship to the Accelerator Fellowship Programme: They will oversee the recruitment of a talented cohort of Fellows, manage their integration into the Oxford ecosystem and participation in the Institute’s activities, and serve as a mentor. The appointee will work closely with the Institute’s Distinguished Senior Scientist, Professor Sir Nigel Shadbolt, and the Director of the Institute for Ethics in AI, Professor John Tasioulas, to enhance the Institute’s international reputation and forge highly effective relationships across the collegiate University, with external bodies and with the wider public.

This unique role will require a mix of strategic and leadership skills balanced by an outstanding record of achievement at an international level on the regulation of AI. Applicants may well but need not be academics, but must be comfortable working with and alongside them and navigating complex governance structures. They may well have managed a broad range of research projects, having worked with credibility across a number of academic disciplines. They should have exceptional administrative and interpersonal skills, as the role will involve fostering relationships within the Institute and beyond. Experience engaging with high-profile business, industry, or policy makers as well as scholars and students is vital, whilst having led successful public engagement activities would be advantageous.

To apply, please send a CV and a covering letter outlining how you meet the job description and person specification to [email protected] by close of business on Monday 10th June 2024.