Researcher in Political Theology and AI Science
Explore the intersection of political theology and AI-mediated human formation in a multidisciplinary research role at the University of Oxford.
Best for:Best for scholars with a PhD (or near completion) in political theology, human formation studies, or related fields, seeking to bridge AI science and theological research in an interdisciplinary setting.
Overview
This part-time, fixed-term research position is part of the *God and the Machine* project at the University of Oxford’s Ian Ramsey Centre for Science and Religion. The successful candidate will investigate how AI recommender systems influence political loyalties and human desires, contributing to Workstream 2 (Influence) of a project funded by the John Templeton Foundation. The role blends theological expertise with AI science, focusing on the ethical and philosophical dimensions of AI-mediated human formation. Applicants should have a strong background in political theology and related fields, with a PhD or near-completion in a relevant discipline. The position offers a unique opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary research at the forefront of AI ethics and theological inquiry.
What you'll do
- Conduct theological research on how AI recommender systems shape political loyalties and human desires.
- Develop a theological framework for understanding AI as a mediating tool in human formation.
- Collaborate with Workstream 1 (Interpretation) to explore computational hermeneutics using large language models.
- Contribute to the broader *God and the Machine* project, publishing findings in academic journals and conferences.
- Engage in interdisciplinary discussions and workshops with AI scientists, theologians, and philosophers.
- Present research findings to project stakeholders and the broader academic community.
- Participate in project meetings, workshops, and conferences related to AI and theology.
Requirements
Degree required: PhD (or near completion) in Political Theology, Theology, or a closely related field such as Religious Studies, Philosophy, or Computer Science with a theological focus.
Language: English; proficiency sufficient for academic research and publication.
Instruction: English
- Specialist expertise in political theology, human formation, and the ordering of loves.
- Strong academic writing and research skills in theological and philosophical domains.
- Familiarity with AI systems, particularly recommender systems and their societal impacts.
- Ability to engage in interdisciplinary collaboration between theology and AI science.
- Experience in publishing academic research in peer-reviewed journals or conferences.
- Open to candidates worldwide.
- PhD or near completion in a relevant field.
- No specific residency or age restrictions mentioned.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-21T12:00:00 (Europe/London)
Applicants must submit a supporting statement, CV, and details of two referees through the University of Oxford’s online recruitment portal. The supporting statement should detail how the candidate meets the selection criteria, using specific examples of skills and experience.
- Supporting statement explaining how the candidate meets the selection criteria
- CV
- Details of two referees
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