At a Glance
- Tasks: Translate AI research into impactful policy advice and engage with senior stakeholders.
- Company: Join a leading UK programme focused on responsible AI at the University of Southampton.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel opportunities and exposure to senior policymakers.
- Why this job: Shape the future of AI governance and make a real difference in society.
- Qualifications: PhD or equivalent experience in relevant fields and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 44746 - 44746 £ per year.
Full Time Fixed Term until 31/03/2028. Applications are invited for a Research Fellow position with Responsible AI UK (RAi UK), based at the University of Southampton. The post is full-time for 20 months, with potential for extension. The post holder will not be required to be based at Southampton but must be able to meet in person with the team once a week.
You will join Responsible AI UK, a £31 million UKRI‑funded national programme spanning 28 UK universities and over 150 partner organisations across academia, industry, government and civil society. RAi UK is one of the largest responsible AI research programmes in the UK, working at the interface of interdisciplinary research, policy and practice. You will work alongside the CEO, Professor Sarvapali (Gopal) Ramchurn, and the RAi UK leadership team.
About the role
This is an opportunity for an experienced postdoctoral researcher to work at the heart of one of the UK’s largest responsible AI programmes. The post holder will translate technical outputs from across the RAi UK portfolio and the wider Responsible AI landscape into clear, evidence‑based policy advice for government, industry and the public. The research will focus on:
- Agentic AI systems and their governance
- Physical AI and its integration with real‑world systems
- Measurement and evaluation of agentic AI performance
- The implications of these technologies for government, industry and the wider public
The post holder will design and convene roundtables, workshops and events with senior stakeholders across UK government, regulators, industry, civil society and international partners. They will synthesise findings into white papers, policy briefings and consultation responses, and will represent RAi UK at national and international policy fora. The role may require travel across the UK and internationally.
To be successful you will have:
- A 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
- Demonstrable experience translating technical research into policy‑relevant outputs such as white papers, briefings, consultation responses or evidence submissions
- A strong understanding of contemporary debates in AI governance, evaluation, assurance, agentic AI and/or physical AI
- Experience designing and convening events or roundtables with senior stakeholders from government, industry and/or civil society
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to present complex concepts clearly to diverse audiences
- Willingness and ability to travel across the UK and internationally to represent RAi UK
This post offers significant exposure to senior policymakers, opportunities for visible thought leadership, and the chance to shape national and international conversations on the responsible governance of agentic and physical AI. This role does not qualify for Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship. To explore alternative UK visa options, see gov.uk.
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applicants who support our mission of inclusivity. The University is a signatory of the Technician Commitment and a partner affiliate of the National Technician Development Centre (NTDC). We are committed to supporting our technical staff and offer a wide range of opportunities including networking, mentoring, training, professional registration and career development.
£36,636 to £44,746 per annum.
Senior Research Fellow in Responsible AI Translation in Southampton employer: University of Southampton
The University of Southampton is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration in the field of responsible AI. With a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, employees benefit from extensive professional development opportunities, including networking, mentoring, and training, all while contributing to impactful research that shapes national and international policy. Located at the heart of one of the UK's largest responsible AI programmes, this role provides unique access to senior policymakers and the chance to influence the future of AI governance.
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