At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop innovative solutions for AI alignment and publish your findings in top-tier journals.
- Company: Join the Distributed AI group at King’s College London, a leader in AI research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development days, and flexible start date.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in AI safety while advancing your academic career.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field and strong research skills in mechanism design.
- Other info: Full-time role with no teaching duties and potential for contract extension.
The predicted salary is between 39000 - 46000 £ per year.
We are seeking a motivated, independent, and highly skilled postdoctoral researcher to work on a project on mechanism design for AI alignment, selected by the UK AI Safety Institute and funded by EPSRC. The project will be led by Carmine Ventre. The role holder will join the Distributed AI group in the Department of Informatics at King’s College London.
The role holder will work with the principal investigator to develop novel solution concepts for mechanism design, prove theoretical results, and write up findings for publication in peer-reviewed conferences and journals. The research will look at new solution concepts, inspired by the literature on behavioural economics, to model the imperfect rationality of AI agents and develop the frontier between their evolving capability and what is possible to implement/align with mechanism design.
The role offers the opportunity to lead on academic papers and develop independent research within this emerging area. There are no teaching duties associated with this position. This is a full time (35 hours per week) post, offered on a fixed term contract until 29 February 2028 initially, with possibility of extension (subject to funding). The start date is flexible but will be no later than 1st September 2026.
Research staff at King’s are entitled to at least 10 days per year (pro-rata) for professional development. This entitlement applies to Postdocs, Research Assistants, Research and Teaching Technicians, Teaching Fellows and AEP equivalent up to and including grade 7.
£45,031 to £52,514 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance.
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Mechanism Design for AI Alignment in London employer: Professor Doctor Obi
Contact Detail:
Professor Doctor Obi Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Associate in Mechanism Design for AI Alignment in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to researchers in your field, attend conferences, and engage in discussions. You never know who might have a lead on a postdoc position or can introduce you to someone at King’s College London.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your research! Create a personal website or an online portfolio showcasing your work, publications, and projects. This gives potential employers a quick glimpse of your skills and expertise, making you stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the latest research in mechanism design and AI alignment. Be ready to discuss how your background aligns with the project goals and how you can contribute to the Distributed AI group.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Associate in Mechanism Design for AI Alignment in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Postdoctoral Research Associate. Highlight your relevant research experience, especially in mechanism design and AI alignment. We want to see how your skills align with our project goals!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share your passion for AI safety and mechanism design, and don’t forget to mention any innovative ideas you have for the project. This is your chance to shine!
Showcase Your Publications: If you've got any publications, make sure to include them! We love seeing your work in peer-reviewed journals or conferences. It shows us that you’re serious about your research and ready to contribute to our academic community.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at King’s College London!
How to prepare for a job interview at Professor Doctor Obi
✨Know Your Mechanism Design
Make sure you brush up on the latest research and theories in mechanism design, especially as they relate to AI alignment. Familiarise yourself with key concepts from behavioural economics that might come up during the interview.
✨Prepare Your Research Narrative
Be ready to discuss your previous research experiences and how they relate to the role. Highlight any independent projects you've led and be prepared to explain your thought process and findings clearly.
✨Engage with the Principal Investigator's Work
Take some time to read up on Carmine Ventre's previous publications and current projects. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you formulate insightful questions to ask during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Publication Ambitions
Since the role involves writing for peer-reviewed journals, be prepared to discuss your publication goals. Share any ideas you have for potential papers or topics you’re passionate about, demonstrating your commitment to contributing to the field.