Researcher in Large Language Models

University of Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Oxford’s God and the Machine project seeks a post holder to lead the technical side of experimental work with large language models.

You will hold a PhD in CS/ML, demonstrate expertise in LLM deployment and local model experiments, and program in Python using modern ML frameworks. The role is a fixed-term 36-month appointment with an initial start in 2026.

Qualifications

• PhD/DPhil in Computer Science, Machine Learning, or closely related field.
• Experience deploying and experimenting with local models (interpretability, activation steering, or machine unlearning).
• Proficiency in Python and relevant machine-learning frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Undertake experimental work with large language models and other AI tools and techniques.
• Support Workstream 1 as the technical lead and contribute to Workstream 2 as a technical expert.

Skills

PhD/DPhil in Computer Science or ML

Large language models

Python

ML frameworks

Model deployment

Education

PhD/DPhil in Computer Science/ML

Tools

PyTorch

Transformers

Python

Scikit-learn

Job description

Fixed-term (36 months / 3 years)

The post holder is a member of the research team for the God and the Machine project, with responsibility for the technical aspects of the project’s experimental work with large language models and other AI tools.

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 primarily support Workstream 1 in its technical aspects, undertaking experimental work with large language models and other AI tools and techniques, and will also contribute to Workstream 2 as a technical expert.

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 August 2026 2 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 Computer Science, Machine Learning, or a closely related field, with a keen interest in theological research on artificial intelligence. You will be able to demonstrate expertise in large language models, including experience deploying and experimenting with local models (for example, interpretability, activation steering, or machine unlearning), as well as be proficiency in Python and relevant machine-learning frameworks.

Application Process

The closing date for applications is 12.00pm on Wednesday, 21 October.