Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Ethics in AI and Law at the University of Oxford (The fellowship offers a salary range from £38,674 to £46,913 per year)
The University of Oxford is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Ethics in AI and Law, a position associated with the Faculty of Philosophy and Oriel College, Oxford. This fellowship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research in the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and law, particularly in terms of how AI technologies should be regulated or integrated into the legal system. The successful candidate will join a dynamic academic environment, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary engagement and research in a rapidly developing field.
Position Overview
This full-time, fixed-term position will be available for a three-year period, providing an exciting career opportunity for early career researchers interested in AI and law. The position is part of the broader Ethics in AI Initiative launched by the University of Oxford, which is focused on the ethical implications of AI and other emerging technologies. The initiative is housed within the Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities, a prestigious new academic hub scheduled to open in Autumn 2025.
The fellowship is designed for candidates with a strong academic background in law, who are keen to undertake research that addresses important questions regarding the regulation and integration of AI into the legal system. This role offers significant potential for research, career development, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Research Focus and Opportunities
The position is particularly well-suited for candidates who wish to explore the following questions:
- How should AI technologies be regulated legally to ensure ethical use and mitigate risks?
- How can AI be integrated into the workings of the legal system to improve legal processes, decision-making, and justice delivery?
The successful candidate will pursue their own research under the supervision of Professor John Tasioulas, the Director of the Institute for Ethics in AI, and will have the chance to collaborate with scholars across various disciplines, making a tangible impact on both the academic and practical development of AI and law.
Responsibilities and Expectations
In addition to pursuing their own research, the postdoctoral research fellow will also be expected to:
- Engage in interdisciplinary research and collaborate with other scholars within the University and beyond.
- Contribute to teaching activities, including offering a limited amount of teaching for both the Institute for Ethics in AI and Oriel College.
- Present research findings at academic conferences, workshops, and in relevant publications.
This position presents an exceptional opportunity for career advancement in a relatively new and rapidly evolving field of study.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants for this fellowship must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a doctorate in Law (or have submitted a doctoral dissertation for examination by the application closing date).
- Provide evidence of exceptional research potential, with a strong academic record appropriate to their career stage.
- Demonstrate the ability to work independently, conduct high-level research, and engage in academic publishing.
- Research experience in ethics in AI is not required; however, candidates must show a strong capacity to undertake significant research that will contribute meaningfully to the work of the Institute for Ethics in AI.
Additionally, candidates should have:
- Excellent research skills and a proven ability to independently conduct research.
- A commitment to producing high-quality, impactful research that can contribute to the field of AI ethics and law.
Salary and Benefits
The fellowship offers a salary range from £38,674 to £46,913 per year, commensurate with qualifications and experience. In addition to the salary, the successful candidate will benefit from access to Oxford’s world-class academic resources and opportunities for career development and networking within the field of AI ethics.
Application Process
Candidates interested in applying for this position must submit their applications online by the closing date of 12 noon on 4 April 2025. The application should include:
- A detailed CV, including academic achievements, publications, and research experience.
- A supporting statement outlining the applicant’s research interests, why they are a good fit for the role, and their potential contribution to the Institute for Ethics in AI.
- A research proposal that clearly articulates their planned research in AI and law.
For candidates who have submitted their dissertation but have not yet been awarded their doctorate, the submission date of the thesis must be provided in the supporting statement.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews in May 2025, where they will have the opportunity to discuss their research ideas, career aspirations, and how they can contribute to the university’s Ethics in AI Initiative.
Contact Information
For any queries regarding the application process, please contact the Recruitment Administrator at [email protected]. The Vacancy ID for this position is 178062.
Equality and Diversity
The University of Oxford is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all staff and students. The University encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds, irrespective of gender, race, or other characteristics.
This Postdoctoral Research Fellowship offers a fantastic opportunity for early career scholars to shape the future of AI and law, engage with leading academics in the field, and contribute to a major initiative in AI ethics. With the support of Oriel College and the Institute for Ethics in AI, the successful candidate will be well-positioned for career success and will help advance the ethical regulation and application of AI technologies in the legal landscape.
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