Governance of AI (GovAI) has opened applications for its 2026 Research Fellow positions, inviting experienced researchers to contribute to high-impact work shaping the future of artificial intelligence governance. The full-time positions are designed for professionals with a proven track record of conducting influential research and informing policy decisions related to AI governance.

Research Fellows will play a leading role in developing GovAI’s research agenda, producing original publications, advising policymakers, mentoring emerging researchers, and contributing to global discussions on responsible AI governance.

Successful applicants will be offered two-year fixed-term contracts, with the possibility of renewal.

Applications close on 16 August 2026 at 23:59 Anywhere on Earth (AoE).

About Governance of AI (GovAI)

Governance of AI is an independent research organisation dedicated to helping humanity navigate the transition to a world increasingly shaped by advanced artificial intelligence.

Since its founding, GovAI has become one of the leading institutions in AI governance research, providing expertise and strategic advice to governments, industry leaders, and civil society organisations.

Its researchers have contributed to major policy initiatives, including the European Union AI Act, while alumni have moved into influential positions within governments in the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, as well as leading AI companies such as Google DeepMind, OpenAI, and Anthropic.

GovAI researchers have also published in internationally recognised journals and conferences, including Science, Nature, NeurIPS, ICML, and FAccT, while contributing commentary to publications such as TIME, Foreign Affairs, and Lawfare.

About the Research Fellow Role

The Research Fellow position is intended for experienced researchers who wish to conduct independent, policy-relevant research while helping shape the future direction of AI governance.

Fellows work with significant autonomy under the guidance of senior researchers and leadership while contributing to GovAI’s core research priorities and mentoring junior colleagues.

The position combines independent scholarship with collaboration across GovAI’s international research network.

Key Responsibilities

Research Fellows will undertake a variety of activities, including:

• Designing and leading independent research agendas.

• Producing high-quality academic publications, policy reports, blog articles, and strategic policy memos.

• Advising policymakers and decision-makers on emerging AI governance challenges.

• Organising events that bring together leading stakeholders.

• Contributing to GovAI’s institutional research strategy.

• Supporting recruitment and assessment of future Research Scholars and Fellows.

• Supervising and mentoring junior researchers, including seasonal fellowship participants.

GovAI provides researchers with extensive institutional support, research resources, and opportunities for collaboration with experts across academia, government, and industry.

Research Areas

Research Fellows may focus on a broad range of AI governance topics, including:

Risk Management

Research on responsible AI development, deployment decisions, governance mechanisms, and independent evaluation systems.

Threat Modelling

Analysis of emerging AI risks, uncertainty assessment, and strategies for reducing security threats while maximising societal benefits.

Economics of Artificial Intelligence

Research exploring AI’s impact on productivity, labour markets, competition, and long-term economic development.

Geopolitics of AI

Studies examining international AI competition, strategic policy decisions, and geopolitical implications of advanced AI technologies.

Frontier AI Regulation

Evaluation of regulatory frameworks governing advanced AI systems and future policy reforms.

Technical AI Governance

Research into technical mechanisms supporting AI governance, including compute governance, AI evaluations, safety assessments, and oversight systems.

GovAI also welcomes proposals covering AI research automation, government use of AI, societal resilience, frontier AI safety, cybersecurity, and strategies for maximising AI benefits.

Eligibility and Qualifications

The organisation welcomes applicants from a broad range of academic and professional backgrounds.

Previous Fellows have worked in fields including:

• Computer science.

• Political science.

• Public policy.

• Economics.

• Philosophy.

• Law.

• Government.

• Industry.

• Civil society.

Although there are no strict educational requirements, competitive applicants typically possess several years of relevant research or policy experience.

Essential Selection Criteria

Successful applicants should demonstrate:

• A strong record of producing high-quality research related to AI governance or closely related fields.

• Commitment to improving the long-term societal impacts of artificial intelligence.

• Established expertise in a discipline relevant to AI governance.

• Broad understanding of AI governance research and policy.

• A compelling research proposal outlining a clear pathway to impact.

GovAI values applicants who demonstrate intellectual rigour, independent thinking, sound research judgement, strong communication skills, collaboration, and a commitment to mentoring future researchers.

Contract Duration, Location and Salary

Research Fellows are appointed on two-year full-time contracts with opportunities for renewal.

Preferred work locations include:

• London, United Kingdom.

• Washington, DC, United States.

Applicants based elsewhere, including the San Francisco Bay Area, may also be considered depending on project requirements.

GovAI offers visa sponsorship for eligible UK-based applicants and limited visa support for selected United States appointments.

Compensation varies according to experience and location.

Typical salary ranges include:

• London: £84,000–£103,500 per year.

• Washington, DC: US$134,500–US$170,000 per year.

Additional location-based adjustments may be available for higher-cost regions.

Benefits

Research Fellows receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Annual wellbeing allowance.

• Professional development funding.

• Childcare support.

• Coworking allowance for remote staff.

• Flexible working arrangements.

• Extended parental leave.

• Ergonomic equipment support.

• Employer pension contributions.

• Thirty-three days of paid annual leave, including public holidays.

Application Process

Applicants will complete a competitive multi-stage recruitment process comprising:

• Written application.

• Abstract reasoning assessment.

• One or two paid remote work tests.

• Submission of a detailed two-year research agenda.

• Interviews and reference checks.

Application Deadline

Applications for the GovAI Research Fellow position close on 16 August 2026 at 23:59 Anywhere on Earth (AoE).

The GovAI Research Fellow Programme provides experienced researchers with an outstanding opportunity to influence international AI governance, contribute to evidence-based policymaking, and collaborate with leading experts working to ensure the safe and beneficial development of advanced artificial intelligence.

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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.

GovAI Research Fellow Positions 2026 Open for Experienced AI Governance Researchers – Apply By 16 August 2026 ·Unknown