Senior Researcher (Oxford Martin AI Governance Initiative)

*THIS IS A RE-ADVERTISMENT OF RECENT VACANCY 168678, PREVIOUS APPLICANTS NEED NOT APPLY*

The Oxford Martin School is seeking an individual who is a recognised authority in one or more areas of interest to the recently formed Oxford Martin AI Governance Initiative (AIG Oxford).

We are offering a 1-year, fixed term post as we hope to engage senior researchers who would like to undertake a sabbatical or short term placement with the AI Governance Initiative. Shorter terms would be considered.

The Oxford Martin AI Governance Initiative seeks to improve the impact of AI on global societal outcomes through impactful research that is rigorously grounded in the social and computational sciences, decision-maker education campaigns, and training the next generations of technology governance leaders. It is one of the few organizations in the world to focus on the governance of AI from both technical and policy perspectives. 

The Initiative’s research addresses topics such as: 

•        Frontier AI Regulation: What form should it take — domestically and internationally?

•        Technical Governance: What machine learning, computing hardware, and cryptographic approaches can facilitate governance including treaty compliance and regulatory oversight?

•        International Governance: What international norms and institutions - standards setting, monitoring, collaborative research, arms control - can mitigate risks across jurisdictions? 

•        AI Auditing Regimes: How should model access decisions be made, and what institutions should make them? 

•        AI Industry Cooperation: How can AI firms cooperate for the public benefit?

The post holder will be a recognized authority in an area relevant to AI governance research. We anticipate that the successful candidate will have comparable experience to the head of a significant research group, or deputy within a major research unit or centre, or an agenda setter in a relevant field. The senior researcher will work with the Directors, contributing to the overarching vision of the AI Governance Initiative. During the period of the post, the post holder will engage in projects in collaboration with the Initiative team based on Initiative needs and the post-holder’s interests and areas of expertise. The post holder will provide guidance to junior members of the research group.

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online and you will be required to upload a CV and supporting statement as part of your application.

 The closing date is 12 noon on 9th February 2024. Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter. The post is available immediately and we would like preferred candidates to start as soon as is practical.