At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead research on AI ethics and law, shaping governance for an innovative AI platform.
- Company: Join a pioneering team at TODS Ventures, merging AI with ethics and law.
- Benefits: Flexible remote work, part-time commitment, and the chance to influence AI governance.
- Other info: Engage in groundbreaking research with opportunities for peer-reviewed publications.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in AI ethics while collaborating with experts across disciplines.
- Qualifications: Degree in Ethics, Philosophy, AI, or Law; strong focus on AI ethics required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
About the Project
TODS Ventures is developing a highly ambitious Enterprise AI Governance Platform — a research-led project at the intersection of artificial intelligence, mathematics, law, ethics, and enterprise technology. The platform applies rigorous, multi-dimensional governance to AI interactions at scale. The project combines original academic research with practical software engineering and is preparing for peer-reviewed publication alongside a commercial product launch. This is an early-stage, high-calibre founding team engagement.
The Role
We are looking for a thoughtful and intellectually rigorous researcher or practitioner with a background in Ethics, Philosophy, AI, or Law — at BA, MSc, or PhD level. You will serve as the project's intellectual lead on AI ethics and legal theory — shaping the ethical and normative foundations of the platform, contributing to peer-reviewed publications, and advising on the legal and regulatory landscape as it applies to enterprise AI. What matters most is depth of thinking, relevant expertise, and the ability to engage seriously across disciplines. This is a fractional advisory role at approximately 20% FTE.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide expert guidance on AI ethics frameworks — including normative theory, value alignment, moral philosophy, and applied ethics in enterprise contexts.
- Advise on the legal and regulatory landscape relevant to enterprise AI — including EU AI Act, GDPR, liability frameworks, and emerging AI governance standards.
- Co-author and review peer-reviewed research papers targeting AI ethics, law, and governance venues.
- Help design and critically evaluate the ethical dimensions of the platform's governance approach, including multi-stakeholder value trade-offs.
- Engage with the academic literature on AI accountability, fairness, transparency, explainability, and human oversight.
- Advise on ethical review processes and academic positioning to support credibility with regulators, enterprise buyers, and the research community.
Required Skills & Experience
- Degree in Ethics, Philosophy, AI, Political Theory, or a closely related discipline (BA, MSc, or PhD all welcome) — with a strong focus on artificial intelligence.
- Demonstrable expertise in contemporary AI ethics discourse — including fairness, accountability, transparency, and explainability (FATE).
- Working knowledge of the EU AI Act, GDPR, and international AI governance frameworks.
- Experience engaging across disciplines — working alongside technical teams, lawyers, policymakers, or enterprise stakeholders.
- Excellent written communication skills for both academic and practitioner audiences.
Desirable / Nice to Have
- A PhD in a relevant discipline, or an active research profile with peer-reviewed publications in AI ethics or governance.
- A law degree or legal background — particularly in technology law, data protection, or AI regulation. Full legal qualification is not expected.
- Familiarity with mathematical concepts such as vector spaces, metric spaces, or multi-dimensional representations — as they apply to decision-making or knowledge modelling.
- Background in deontic logic, normative systems, or formal approaches to ethics.
- Experience advising technology companies, regulators, or standards bodies on AI ethics.
- Familiarity with AI governance tools, auditing frameworks, or technical standards (e.g. ISO/IEC 42001).
- Knowledge of professional ethics in regulated sectors — financial services, healthcare, or legal services.
- Prior engagement with grant-funded AI research or EU-funded projects.
Type: Freelance Advisory
Duration: 1 Jul 2026 – 31 Mar 2027
Commitment: Part-time · ~20% FTE
Location: UK or EU · Remote / Hybrid
Rate: To be negotiated
Ethics & Law Research Associate employer: Todsventures
TODS Ventures is an exceptional employer for those passionate about the intersection of AI, ethics, and law, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to a pioneering Enterprise AI Governance Platform. With a commitment to intellectual rigor and interdisciplinary collaboration, employees can expect a supportive work culture that values depth of thinking and encourages professional growth through engagement with cutting-edge research and practical applications. The remote or hybrid working model allows for flexibility while being part of a high-calibre founding team dedicated to shaping the future of AI governance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Ethics & Law Research Associate
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the AI ethics and law space, attend relevant webinars or conferences, and don’t be shy about sharing your insights. Building connections can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio of your work, including any research papers or projects related to AI ethics and law. This will not only demonstrate your knowledge but also give you something tangible to discuss during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Brush up on current trends in AI governance and ethical frameworks. Be ready to discuss how your background aligns with the project’s goals and how you can contribute to shaping its ethical foundations.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’re all about making the application process smooth and straightforward. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team and project.
We think you need these skills to ace Ethics & Law Research Associate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Expertise:Make sure to highlight your background in Ethics, Philosophy, AI, or Law. We want to see how your experience aligns with the project’s focus on AI ethics and legal theory, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant skills!
Tailor Your Application:Customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the role. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you understand what we’re looking for and how you fit into our ambitious project.
Be Clear and Concise:Your written communication skills are crucial for this role. Keep your application clear and to the point, ensuring that your ideas come across effectively. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Todsventures
✨Know Your Ethics Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest discussions in AI ethics, especially around fairness, accountability, and transparency. Being able to discuss these concepts confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but can also apply it practically.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Legal Frameworks
Get a solid understanding of the EU AI Act and GDPR, as well as any emerging governance standards. This knowledge will be crucial when discussing how legal and ethical considerations intersect in enterprise AI.
✨Prepare for Interdisciplinary Conversations
Since this role involves engaging with various stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts across disciplines. Think about how you would explain complex ethical theories to a technical team or legal concepts to a philosopher.
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
Be ready to discuss your previous research experiences, especially any peer-reviewed publications. Highlight how your work contributes to the field of AI ethics and governance, and be prepared to discuss potential future research ideas relevant to the project.
