The Governance of AI (GovAI) has opened applications for its 2026 Research Scholar Programme, offering a one-year visiting position for researchers and practitioners interested in advancing the field of AI governance. The programme is designed to support career development while enabling participants to conduct impactful research, advise policymakers, launch new initiatives, and contribute to global discussions on the governance of advanced artificial intelligence.

Applications are open until 16 August 2026 at 23:59 Anywhere on Earth (AoE).

The programme welcomes applicants from diverse academic and professional backgrounds who are committed to shaping the long-term societal impacts of artificial intelligence through research, policy, and innovation.

About GovAI

Governance of AI (GovAI) is an independent research organisation dedicated to helping society navigate the transition to a world with advanced artificial intelligence.

Since its establishment, GovAI has played a significant role in defining the field of AI governance through influential research and policy engagement. Its researchers have advised governments, industry leaders, and civil society organisations while contributing to major international AI governance initiatives.

GovAI alumni have gone on to influential positions within governments in the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, as well as leading AI organisations including Google DeepMind, OpenAI, and Anthropic. Researchers have also contributed to organisations such as the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the Center for Security and Emerging Technology, the Center for a New American Security, and the Tony Blair Institute.

The organisation has contributed to major AI policy initiatives, including the European Union AI Act, and has published research in leading journals and conferences such as Science, Nature, NeurIPS, ICML, and FAccT.

About the Research Scholar Programme

The Research Scholar position is a fixed-term, twelve-month programme designed to provide participants with the flexibility to pursue projects that maximise their impact in AI governance.

Each scholar receives:

• Supervision from a GovAI researcher or member of its research network.

• Guidance from dedicated Research Managers.

• Mentorship from experienced experts.

• Regular feedback through collaborative research sessions.

Participants are encouraged to pursue projects aligned with their interests and expertise while contributing to GovAI’s mission.

Potential Areas of Work

Research Scholars may engage in a wide range of activities, including:

• Conducting policy research.

• Producing social science research.

• Undertaking technical AI governance research.

• Advising policymakers and government institutions.

• Launching new organisations or initiatives.

• Developing applied governance projects.

• Producing academic papers, policy reports, blogs, and strategic publications.

• Organising workshops and stakeholder engagements.

Past scholars have contributed to defining technical AI governance, supporting frontier AI company safety frameworks, participating in government secondments, and establishing organisations focused on AI safety evaluations and reinforcement learning environments.

Research Areas

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

Risk Management

Research exploring how AI developers can responsibly manage risks while encouraging innovation and deployment.

Threat Modelling

Projects examining AI-related risks, evidence-based assessments, and strategies for reducing uncertainty.

Economics of Artificial Intelligence

Research investigating AI’s effects on labour markets, economic growth, productivity, and market competition.

Geopolitics of AI

Studies analysing international AI competition, national strategies, and geopolitical implications of advanced AI development.

Frontier AI Regulation

Research examining policy proposals and regulatory approaches governing frontier AI systems.

Technical AI Governance

Projects focusing on technical tools supporting governance, including compute governance, evaluations, safety assessments, and technical oversight mechanisms.

GovAI also welcomes proposals addressing AI research automation, government adoption of AI technologies, societal resilience, and strategies for maximising AI benefits.

Eligibility and Qualifications

The programme is open to candidates from a wide range of educational and professional backgrounds.

Previous scholars have come from fields including:

• Computer science.

• Political science.

• Public policy.

• Economics.

• Law.

• Philosophy.

• History.

• Government.

• Industry.

• Civil society.

There are no formal educational requirements for the position.

Essential Selection Criteria

Successful applicants should demonstrate:

• A strong commitment to improving the long-term societal impacts of AI.

• Evidence of producing high-quality work or significant professional achievements.

• Familiarity with AI governance.

• Expertise in a field relevant to AI governance.

• A clear explanation of how the programme will increase their long-term impact.

Applicants who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, independent thinking, collaboration, strong communication skills, and openness to feedback are particularly encouraged to apply.

Location, Duration and Salary

The programme offers a fixed twelve-month contract.

Preferred locations include:

• London, United Kingdom.

• Washington, DC, United States.

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

GovAI provides visa sponsorship for eligible UK-based applicants and limited visa support in the United States under exceptional circumstances.

Compensation depends on experience and location.

Typical salary ranges include:

• London: £75,000–£103,500 per year.

• Washington, DC: US$100,000–US$165,000 per year.

Additional location-based compensation may be available in higher-cost regions.

Benefits

Research Scholars receive an extensive benefits package that includes:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Annual wellbeing budget.

• Professional development funding.

• Childcare support.

• Coworking space 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 multi-stage selection process consisting of:

• Written application.

• Abstract reasoning assessment.

• One or two paid remote work tests.

• Interviews and reference checks.

Candidates applying for Research Fellow positions through the shared application may also be required to submit a detailed research agenda.

Application Deadline

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

The programme provides an exceptional opportunity for emerging AI governance researchers to collaborate with internationally recognised experts, influence public policy, conduct high-impact research, and help shape the future governance of advanced artificial intelligence.

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.

GovAI Research Scholar Programme 2026 Opens Applications for AI Governance Researchers – Apply By 16 August 2026 ·Unknown