Postdoctoral Researcher in AI Verification (Technical)

University of Oxford; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Oxford invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in AI Verification (Technical) within the Oxford Martin AI Governance Initiative (AIGI Oxford). The two-year, full-time appointment focuses on technical and policy aspects of verifying computational rules in AI data centres and international AI agreements.

The successful candidate will conduct specialised AI/ML research, publish agenda-setting works, and contribute to the project’s strategic direction while supervising

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in AI/ML with strong research background.
• Experience or interest in AI governance or policy.
• Strong record of publications and presentations in relevant fields.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on verification methods for AI data centres.
• Produce agenda-setting publications and policy reports.
• Contribute to strategic direction and sustain the project research agenda.
• Provide day-to-day supervision of research assistants.

Skills

AI verification

Machine learning

Policy experience

Education

Doctoral degree in AI/ML

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity to join the Oxford Martin AI Governance Initiative (AIGI Oxford) as a Postdoctoral Researcher in AI Verification (Technical).

The Oxford Martin AI Governance Initiative seeks to improve the impact of AI on global societal outcomes through impactful research grounded in the social and computational sciences, decision-maker education campaigns, and training the next generation of technology governance leaders. It is one of the few organisations in the world to focus on the governance of AI from both technical and policy perspective.

The successful candidate will join a grant-funded research project within a wider research programme. The project focuses on technical and political approaches to verifying that computational rules are being followed in AI data centres. It aims to provide states with viable, privacy-preserving and attack-resistant verification options for future international AI agreements.

The post holder will pursue research in conjunction with other members of the team, with the aim of producing agenda-setting publications and policy reports. They will contribute ideas toward the strategic direction for the project, help sustain its research agenda, and provide day-to-day supervision of research assistants. The role requires specialisation, at doctoral level or equivalent, in the technical side of artificial intelligence, such as machine learning. This specialisation would ideally be combined with substantial practical or policy experience in domains related to AI verification such as technology policy, arms control, AI governance, and artificial intelligence.

The post is a full-time, fixed-term appointment for two years.

The Oxford Martin School supports the University's commitment to equal opportunity and to being a place where everyone belongs and is supported to succeed. We recognise how the diversity of our community enriches our ability to deliver on our academic mission. We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds, including those under-represented within higher education.

Only applications received before 12:00 noon (GMT) on Monday 9th November 2026 can be considered. We expect to hold interviews on Monday 16th November 2026.

Pay Scale :

RESEARCH GRADE 7

Salary (£) :

£40,178 - £48,700 per annum