One-Year Research Fellowship at the Centre for the Governance of AI (GovAI) – Applications Open Until 20 July 2025
Position: Research Scholar
Organization: Centre for the Governance of AI (GovAI)
Location: Primarily London, UK (flexible)
Contract: 12-month fixed term
Application Deadline: 23:59 BST, Sunday 20 July 2025
The Centre for the Governance of AI (GovAI) is inviting applications for its prestigious Research Scholar programme—a one-year, full-time visiting role designed to support the career development of early to mid-career professionals in AI governance. This position offers significant flexibility, a collaborative environment, and the chance to produce impactful work that shapes the trajectory of AI and its global implications.
About the Programme
The Research Scholar role is intended to help promising individuals deepen their expertise in AI governance while contributing to high-impact work. The position provides the time, mentorship, and institutional support necessary to pursue research, policy analysis, or applied projects that address the most pressing issues in the field.
Scholars may conduct academic or policy research, advise decision-makers, contribute to international governance efforts, or even launch new initiatives. Previous scholars have co-founded organisations, supported UK government secondments, and advanced the field of technical AI governance.
Areas of Work
GovAI welcomes proposals in a range of research and policy domains, including:
- Risk and Security: AI risk assessment, loss of control, cybersecurity, biosecurity
- Policy and Regulation: Frontier AI regulation, international governance, industrial policy
- Technical Governance: Compute governance, agent governance, technical safety frameworks
- AI Economics and Global Impact: International technology diffusion, economic models of advanced AI
- AI Landscape: Forecasting, geopolitics, regional focuses such as China and the Middle East
GovAI encourages applied work as well as traditional research. Scholars may choose to focus on project management, stakeholder engagement, launching new initiatives, or organising high-impact events.
Support and Supervision
Research Scholars will be embedded in GovAI’s collaborative ecosystem and receive structured mentorship. Each scholar will be:
- Supervised by a GovAI team member (meeting weekly or bi-weekly)
- Mentored by an external expert or GovAI affiliate
- Supported by a research manager and peer feedback mechanisms
- Encouraged to engage in work-in-progress presentations and team events
While this is a fixed-term position, Scholars may be considered for longer-term roles such as Research Fellow, a staff position focused on core workstreams. Applications for both roles are submitted via the same form.
Candidate Profile
Essential Qualifications:
- Strong interest in shaping the long-term societal impact of AI
- Demonstrated capacity for producing high-quality work or driving meaningful outcomes
- Familiarity with AI governance and expertise in a relevant domain (policy, law, economics, etc.)
- A compelling explanation of how this opportunity will support your impact in the field
What GovAI Values:
- Intellectual honesty, critical thinking, and self-direction
- Receptiveness to feedback and commitment to growth
- Strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills
- Motivation to contribute to the success of others in a team environment
GovAI is open to diverse academic and professional backgrounds. Past scholars have included individuals with experience in government, civil society, industry, and academia. Graduate degrees and significant professional experience are helpful but not required.
Location and Flexibility
While the preferred location is London, GovAI supports remote work and can sponsor visas in both the UK and US.
Location preferences vary depending on project focus:
- Policy work: Preferably based in policy hubs like Washington DC or Brussels
- Project management: Strong preference for presence in the London office
- Supervisor alignment: Some supervisors may prefer in-person collaboration in London
If specific location constraints apply, candidates are encouraged to reach out via [email protected] before applying.
Compensation and Benefits
Salaries are competitive and location-adjusted. London-based candidates typically earn £75,000–£95,000 annually. Additional compensation is available for high cost-of-living areas such as the San Francisco Bay Area.
Benefits include:
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- £5,000 (~$6,000) annual wellbeing budget
- Annual travel allowance
- 33 days paid vacation (including public holidays)
- Flexible hours and extended parental leave
- Ergonomic equipment and 10% employer pension contribution
Application Process
The application consists of three stages:
- Written application
- Paid remote work test
- Two interviews and reference checks
GovAI encourages applicants from all backgrounds. Those whose experience may not meet every listed qualification but are passionate about the mission are especially encouraged to apply.
Deadline: 23:59 BST, Sunday 20 July 2025
Apply here: governance.ai
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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.
