Full time
Fixed-term (36 months / 3 years)
About the Role
The post holder is a member of the research team for the God and the Machine project, with responsibility for providing systematic theological contributions across both of the project's workstreams.
God and the Machine: Frontier Interactions between AI Science and Theology is a research project in the Ian Ramsey Centre for Science and Religion, Faculty of Theology and Religion, University of Oxford, funded by the John Templeton Foundation. The project develops a theological framework for understanding artificial intelligence as a mediating tool, working across two interrelated workstreams: Workstream 1 (Interpretation), which uses large language models as a computational hermeneutic tool, and Workstream 2 (Influence), which develops a theology of AI's mediation of human formation.
The post holder will provide systematic theological contributions to both Workstream 1 and Workstream 2, acting as a general theological resource for the whole project. The successful candidate will bring experience in theology, ideally including work on the theology of AI. The gross annual salary has been set at Point 31 of the National Pay Spine, as appropriate for the career stage and experience of the post, and increments one scale point each October, in line with University of Oxford policy.
The project runs from 1 December 2026 to 30 November 2029; the post is available for up to 36 months within this period, with the exact start date to be agreed with the successful candidate.
About You
You will hold a PhD/DPhil in a related field and have research experience in theology, ideally including work on the theology of AI. You will have specialist knowledge in systematic or constructive theology or theological ethics relevant to the project, as well as reading knowledge of German sufficient for close analysis of theological texts, which is essential for the project’s work on the German-language corpus of Karl Barth.
£39,424 to £41,336 per annum: Grade 7, point 1-3
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Researcher in Theology and AI Science in Oxford employer: University of Oxford
The Department of Politics and International Relations at the University of Oxford is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment where finance professionals can thrive. With a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, along with generous benefits such as 38 days of annual leave and a robust family leave scheme, employees are supported in both their professional and personal lives. This role not only provides the opportunity to influence strategic financial decisions within a world-renowned department but also fosters continuous growth and development in a vibrant academic community.
