Research Officer in Economic Theory and AI Alignment

Research Officer in Economic Theory and AI Alignment

Full-Time 43277 - 51714 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Contribute to groundbreaking research on economic theory and AI alignment with leading experts.
  • Company: Join STICERD at LSE, a hub for innovative research and inclusivity.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, hybrid working, and excellent training opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in AI safety and lead academic publications in a cutting-edge field.
  • Qualifications: PhD in Economics or nearing completion, expertise in game theory, and strong analytical skills.
  • Other info: Flexible start date and no teaching duties, allowing focus on independent research.

The predicted salary is between 43277 - 51714 £ per year.

STICERD LSE is committed to building a diverse, equitable and truly inclusive university. We are seeking a motivated, independent, and highly skilled Research Officer to contribute to a research agenda on economic approaches to AI alignment, funded by a grant from the UK AI Safety Institute and led by principal investigators Dr Matthew Levy (LSE) and Professor Balazs Szentes (University of Hong Kong).

The project develops theoretical frameworks using mechanism design and evolutionary game theory to analyse control of advanced AI systems, with a focus on multi-agent settings where AI systems interact with each other and with humans. The postholder will work with the principal investigators to develop game-theoretic models, prove theoretical results, and write up findings for publication in peer-reviewed economics journals. The research extends economic theory to computational agents whose decision-making processes may be opaque to human principals.

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.

Candidates should have a PhD in Economics completed or near completion by the post start date, expertise in game theory, mechanism design, or economic theory and strong mathematical and analytical skills, including experience with formal proofs. In addition, candidates should have excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to produce high-quality research, suitable for publication in peer-reviewed journals. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent attention to detail and be able to work independently and manage their own workload.

We offer an occupational pension scheme, generous annual leave, hybrid working, and excellent training and development opportunities. For further information about the post, please see the how to apply document, job description and the person specification. To apply for this post, please go to www.jobs.lse.ac.uk. If you have any technical queries with applying on the online system, please use the “contact us” links at the bottom of the LSE Jobs page. Should you have any queries about the role, please email c.l.harman@lse.ac.uk. The closing date for receipt of applications is 1st March 2026 (23.59 UK time). Regrettably, we are unable to accept any late applications.

Research Officer in Economic Theory and AI Alignment employer: The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

STICERD at LSE is an exceptional employer, fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee growth and development. As a Research Officer in Economic Theory and AI Alignment, you will benefit from competitive salary packages, generous annual leave, and the flexibility of hybrid working, all while contributing to groundbreaking research in a collaborative setting. With access to excellent training opportunities and the chance to lead academic publications, this role offers a meaningful and rewarding career path in a prestigious institution located in the heart of London.
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Contact Detail:

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Research Officer in Economic Theory and AI Alignment

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the field of economic theory and AI alignment. Attend relevant events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to potential collaborators or mentors.

Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio of your research work, especially any game-theoretic models or papers you've written. This will help you stand out during interviews and discussions with the principal investigators.

Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or colleagues to refine your communication skills. Make sure you can clearly explain complex concepts in economic theory and AI alignment.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! Don’t forget to submit your application via www.jobs.lse.ac.uk. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and we’re here to support you every step of the way!

We think you need these skills to ace Research Officer in Economic Theory and AI Alignment

PhD in Economics
Game Theory
Mechanism Design
Economic Theory
Mathematical Skills
Analytical Skills
Formal Proofs
Written Communication Skills
Oral Communication Skills
Research Skills
Attention to Detail
Independent Work
Workload Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in economic theory and AI alignment. We want to see how your skills match the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!

Show Off Your Research Skills: Since this role involves developing theoretical frameworks and writing for peer-reviewed journals, include examples of your previous research work. We love seeing how you’ve tackled complex problems and what results you achieved!

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the point without unnecessary fluff.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website at www.jobs.lse.ac.uk. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate!

How to prepare for a job interview at The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of economic theory, game theory, and mechanism design. Be ready to discuss how these concepts apply to AI alignment, as this will show your understanding of the role and its requirements.

Showcase Your Research Skills

Prepare to talk about your previous research experiences, especially any that involved formal proofs or theoretical frameworks. Highlight specific projects where you developed models or published papers, as this will demonstrate your capability to contribute to the research agenda.

Communicate Clearly

Since excellent written and oral communication skills are essential for this role, practice explaining complex ideas in simple terms. You might even want to prepare a brief presentation on a relevant topic to showcase your ability to convey information effectively.

Demonstrate Independence

Be ready to discuss how you manage your workload and work independently. Share examples of how you've taken initiative in past projects, as this will reassure the interviewers that you can thrive in a self-directed environment.

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