Arcadia Impact Opens Applications for Autumn 2026 AI Governance Taskforce @Unknown

Arcadia Impact has opened applications for its Autumn 2026 AI Governance Taskforce, a remote, part-time research programme designed for experienced professionals seeking to transition into careers focused on frontier artificial intelligence governance and reducing catastrophic risks associated with advanced AI.

The programme will run from 12 October 2026 to 15 January 2027, with a two-week break over the end-of-year period. Participants will contribute approximately eight hours per week to policy research while continuing with their existing professional or academic commitments.

Applications are open globally and will close at 23:59 Anywhere on Earth on Monday, 31 August 2026, equivalent to 12:59 BST on Tuesday, 1 September 2026.

About the Arcadia AI Governance Taskforce

The AI Governance Taskforce is a 12-week, remote research programme that brings experienced professionals into multidisciplinary teams working on policy and governance questions related to frontier AI.

Research Associates work in teams of four under the leadership of a Research Team Leader and alongside an expert partner. Expert partners have included professionals connected with organisations such as the UK AI Security Institute, GovAI, the AI Incident Database, MIT’s AI Risk Initiative, the Centre for Long-Term Resilience, SaferAI and The Future Society.

Research projects typically produce policy-relevant outputs, including:

• Long-form academic-style research papers or policy briefs.
• Short policy memoranda.
• Articles aimed at specific audiences and stakeholders.
• Research that can contribute to wider discussions around frontier AI governance.

The programme is designed to provide participants with practical research experience, professional connections and credentials that can help facilitate a transition into the emerging AI governance field.

Who Should Apply?

Arcadia Impact is seeking highly motivated professionals who are already moving towards careers focused on reducing catastrophic, acute and systemic risks from frontier AI.

Applicants can come from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds, including:

• Law.
• Public policy.
• Economics.
• Political science.
• International relations.
• Social sciences and humanities.
• Management.
• Philosophy.
• Computer science.
• Engineering, including machine learning, software, systems and safety engineering.

Applicants do not need to have an advanced technical understanding of frontier AI. However, they should be able to demonstrate expertise from another discipline that can be transferred to AI governance research.

Key Eligibility and Selection Criteria

Candidates are expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to working on frontier AI governance rather than simply exploring whether the field might be suitable for them.

The selection process will consider:

• Commitment to reducing catastrophic and systemic risks from frontier AI.
• Awareness of the frontier AI landscape, including capabilities, major actors and existing governance efforts.
• Transferable expertise from another professional or academic field.
• Strong reasoning, research and writing abilities.
• Sound judgement regarding important and achievable AI governance interventions.
• Self-direction and the ability to pursue goals without extensive external structure.
• Ability to commit at least eight hours per week throughout the programme.

Arcadia Impact particularly encourages applicants who have already taken steps towards entering the field through study, independent research, writing, volunteering, training programmes or applications to related opportunities.

Approximately 20 Places Available

The Autumn 2026 cohort is expected to include approximately 20 Research Associate positions.

The opportunity is voluntary and unpaid, meaning participants will not receive remuneration for their research work. The remote format allows participants to undertake the programme alongside existing employment, academic studies or other commitments, provided they can meet the required weekly time commitment.

Application Process

The Autumn 2026 selection process consists of four stages.

1. General application

Applicants submit a CV and short written responses addressing their motivation, readiness, expertise, understanding of frontier AI risks, judgement and self-direction.

2. Project application

Shortlisted candidates receive project briefs and can apply for projects aligned with their background. They will complete a short written task related to their selected project.

3. Interview

Candidates progressing to the next stage participate in a remote interview to discuss their background and application further.

4. Offers

Successful applicants receive an offer to join a specific research project team.

Arcadia Impact states that no writing sample is required at any stage, although shortlisted applicants will complete a project-specific written task.

Important Application Dates

The key dates for the Autumn 2026 cohort are:

• Applications opened: 5 August 2026
• General application deadline: 31 August 2026 AoE
• Stage 2 invitations: By 7 September 2026
• Project applications and written task deadline: 13 September 2026 AoE
• Interview invitations: By 21 September 2026
• Interviews: From late September 2026
• Offers: Week commencing 5 October 2026
• Programme: 12 October 2026 to 15 January 2027

Career Development and Alumni Outcomes

Previous Taskforce participants have progressed into AI governance, AI safety research, academia, research management and independent research.

Alumni have gone on to work with or contribute to organisations and initiatives including Google DeepMind, SaferAI, the Oxford Martin AI Governance Initiative, MIT’s AI Risk Initiative, the Centre for Long-Term Resilience and GovAI.

Previous Taskforce research has also received recognition through venues including the International Conference on Machine Learning Technical AI Governance Workshop, where one project received a best paper award.

Opportunity for Experienced Professionals Entering AI Governance

The Autumn 2026 AI Governance Taskforce offers experienced professionals an opportunity to apply existing expertise to one of the rapidly developing areas of technology policy.

With a global remote format, multidisciplinary research teams and access to experienced AI governance practitioners, the programme is particularly suited to professionals who have already begun preparing for a transition into frontier AI governance and can commit eight hours each week.

Applications must be submitted by 31 August 2026 Anywhere on Earth.

VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the  organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs 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.