Research Fellow in Responsible AI Policy Translation
Translate cutting-edge AI research into actionable policy for government, industry, and civil society in the UK’s largest responsible AI programme.
Best for:Best for postdoctoral researchers with a PhD in AI, law, policy, or social sciences and experience translating technical research into policy-relevant outputs.
Overview
This postdoctoral position at the University of Southampton offers an opportunity to bridge the gap between technical AI research and policy-making within Responsible AI UK (RAi UK), a £31 million UKRI-funded initiative spanning 28 universities and 150+ partners. The successful candidate will synthesize complex AI advancements—focusing on agentic AI, physical AI, and governance frameworks—into clear policy briefings, white papers, and consultation responses. The role involves designing stakeholder roundtables, representing RAi UK at national/international forums, and collaborating closely with the CEO and leadership team. Ideal for researchers with expertise in AI ethics, policy, or interdisciplinary governance who thrive at the intersection of academia and policymaking.
What you'll do
- Translate technical AI research outputs into clear, evidence-based policy advice for government, industry, and civil society.
- Design and convene roundtables, workshops, and events with senior stakeholders from UK government, regulators, industry, and civil society.
- Synthesize research findings into white papers, policy briefings, and consultation responses for national/international policy fora.
- Represent RAi UK at national and international policy events, including potential travel across the UK and abroad.
- Collaborate with the RAi UK leadership team to shape national and international conversations on responsible AI governance.
- Engage with interdisciplinary teams to ensure policy recommendations align with technical advancements in AI.
Requirements
Degree required: PhD (or equivalent professional experience) in a discipline relevant to responsible AI, including computer science, AI, data science, science and technology studies, law, public policy, ethics, sociology, or political science
Language: English; proficiency required for policy writing, presentations, and stakeholder engagement
Instruction: English
- Demonstrable experience translating technical research into policy-relevant outputs (e.g., white papers, briefings, consultation responses)
- Strong understanding of contemporary debates in AI governance, evaluation, assurance, agentic AI, and physical AI
- Experience designing and convening events or roundtables with senior stakeholders from government, industry, and civil society
- Excellent written and oral communication skills to present complex AI concepts clearly to diverse audiences
- Willingness and ability to travel across the UK and internationally to represent RAi UK
- No specific nationality restrictions mentioned
- No residency or age limits specified
- No prior experience caps beyond professional experience equivalent to a PhD
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-14
Applicants must submit their CV, a cover letter outlining their relevant experience and how it aligns with the role, and any additional documents requested via the external application portal. The application process involves reviewing qualifications and experience against the role’s requirements and may include an interview.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Any additional documents relevant to the application (e.g., research statements, publications, or references if required)
Contact
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