Postdoctoral Research Associate (Cambridge Digital Minds Research) (Fixed Term)

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence (CFI) at the University of Cambridge invites applications for a two-year full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate to advance the Cambridge Digital Minds research program. The appointee will work under Dr Lucius Caviola, collaborating with senior researchers and participating in diverse research activities across AI, ethics and policy.

Applicants should hold a PhD (or near completion) in a relevant field and demonstrate a strong research

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant discipline or near completion.
• Strong research record across empirical, computational, theoretical or policy areas.
• Experience communicating research to academic, policy and industry audiences.

Responsibilities

• Conduct rigorous empirical, computational, theoretical or policy research in CDM themes.
• Collaborate with senior researchers and contribute to multiple projects.
• Publish findings in leading venues and help communicate work to wider audiences.

Skills

Research experience

Education

PhD in a relevant discipline

Job description

The Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence (CFI), with the Institute for Technology and Humanity (ITH) at the University of Cambridge invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Cambridge Digital Minds (CDM) research group directed by Dr Lucius Caviola. The position is full-time and fixed-term for two years in the first instance.

The post holder will report to Dr Caviola and work closely with senior researchers across CDM, including Research Affiliates Dr Bradford Saad and Dr Caspar Kaiser. They will carry out rigorous empirical, computational, theoretical or policy research, contribute to collaborative projects, publish in leading venues and help communicate the group's work to academic, policy and industry audiences.

Applicants should hold, or be close to completing, a PhD in a relevant discipline and have a strong research record relevant to one of the two areas. Relevant backgrounds include computer science, machine learning, cognitive science, computational social science, economics, law, political science, public policy and philosophy. Applicants trained in psychology or behavioural science are welcome if they meet the requirements for their chosen research area. We welcome applications in either of two areas: (A) technical research on AI systems, e.g. LLM experiments, evaluations or interpretability, on topics such as AI welfare or Inter-AI Morality; or (B) policy and governance of real or perceived digital minds. Full details and requirements are in the further particulars.

Studies with human participants may form part of a project, but will not be its primary focus.

There are no compulsory teaching duties, though there may be opportunities to contribute to the MPhil in Ethics of AI, Data and Algorithms and to co-supervise graduate students. The programme has dedicated funds for research costs, conference travel and workshops.

The closing date for applications is midnight (GMT) on Sunday 10 January 2027. Interviews are planned for the week commencing 25 January 2027, subject to change.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.