The GovAI Research Fellow 2026 opportunity is now open for experienced researchers interested in artificial intelligence governance, public policy, economics, geopolitics, technical governance and AI risk management. Successful candidates join a research-focused team working on high-impact AI governance questions, with two-year contracts, competitive salaries of up to £103,500 in London or $170,000 in Washington, DC, plus professional development and other benefits.
The Governance of AI (GovAI) has opened applications for its Research Fellow position, offering experienced researchers the opportunity to conduct independent research on some of the most important questions surrounding artificial intelligence governance.
The role is particularly relevant to professionals with backgrounds in areas such as computer science, economics, political science, public policy, philosophy, law and related fields. GovAI states that it welcomes candidates from diverse academic and professional backgrounds and does not impose strict educational requirements for the position.
Background & Job Description
Research Fellows play a central role in GovAI’s research activities. The position is designed for experienced researchers capable of producing high-quality, impactful research intended to inform important decisions in government and industry.
Fellows may produce policy memos, academic publications, reports, blog posts and strategic advice, while also contributing to GovAI’s research agenda and mentoring early-career researchers. The organisation’s research covers areas including AI risk management, threat modelling, economics of AI, geopolitics, public policy and technical governance.
The position provides substantial autonomy. Research Fellows work under the guidance of senior researchers or members of the leadership team while having considerable freedom to select projects, shape research agendas and determine appropriate publication formats.
The role is offered on a full-time, two-year fixed-term contract, with the possibility of renewal.
Tasks
The successful Research Fellow may be responsible for a broad range of research and strategic activities, including:
- Developing and executing an independent research agenda.
- Producing original research through academic publications, policy memos, reports and articles.
- Informing policymakers and other decision-makers about important AI governance issues.
- Organising events that bring together stakeholders around high-priority questions.
- Contributing to GovAI’s wider research strategy and institutional priorities.
- Supervising and mentoring junior researchers.
- Assessing prospective candidates for scholar and fellow positions.
- Collaborating with researchers within GovAI and across its broader network.
Research areas currently highlighted by GovAI include AI risk management, threat modelling, AI economics, AI geopolitics, frontier AI regulation and technical governance. The organisation is also interested in areas such as AI research and development automation, government use of AI and society’s resilience to advances in AI.
Qualifications
Education and Certification
GovAI does not specify a mandatory degree or formal academic qualification for the Research Fellow position. Instead, the organisation emphasises research ability, relevant expertise and evidence of producing high-quality work.
Previous Fellows have come from fields including:
- Computer science
- Political science
- Public policy
- Economics
- Philosophy
- Law
- Government
- Industry
- Civil society
The organisation therefore encourages applicants with different professional and academic backgrounds to consider the opportunity.
Experience
Candidates are expected to have substantial research experience in a relevant area. GovAI states that promising applicants will typically have several years of relevant research or policy experience together with a track record of producing high-quality work.
Essential qualities include the demonstrated ability to conduct excellent research, established expertise in an area relevant to AI governance, broad familiarity with the field and a compelling research proposal with a credible pathway to impact.
GovAI particularly welcomes candidates with deep expertise in areas such as technical governance, frontier AI safety, cybersecurity and U.S. policy, as well as applicants with practical experience advising policymakers or leading strategic initiatives in industry or civil society.
The organisation also values independence, strong research judgment, intellectual honesty, rigorous thinking, communication, collaboration and a willingness to mentor others.
Additional Information
Location and Salary
GovAI typically prefers Research Fellows to be based in London, UK, or Washington, DC, although candidates based elsewhere may also be considered. Location preferences can depend on the nature of the work, particularly for policy-focused or project-management roles.
Visa sponsorship is available in the UK. U.S. visa sponsorship is only available in exceptional cases, so international applicants should carefully consider the location requirements before applying.
Compensation depends on experience and location. Research Fellows based in London typically earn between £84,000 and £103,500 per year, while those based in Washington, DC typically earn $134,500 to $170,000 per year. Additional compensation may be available for higher-cost locations such as the San Francisco Bay Area.
Additional benefits include health, dental and vision insurance, a professional development budget, childcare support, coworking support for remote staff, flexible working hours, extended parental leave, ergonomic equipment, a 10% employer pension contribution and 33 days of paid vacation including public holidays.
Application Deadline and Process
Applications for the Research Fellow position are currently open, with the deadline set for 23:59 Anywhere on Earth (AoE) on Sunday, August 16, 2026.
The selection process includes a written application, an abstract reasoning assessment, one or two paid remote work tests, interviews and reference checks. Candidates reaching the work-test stage may also be asked to prepare a detailed research agenda explaining how they would approach their first two years at GovAI.
Interested applicants should review the requirements carefully and submit their application through the official GovAI application system.
Apply for the GovAI Research Fellow Position
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