The GovAI Research Fellow 2026 position is a full-time, two-year research role focused on high-impact questions in artificial intelligence governance. Research Fellows conduct independent work, inform policy and industry decisions, and mentor early-career researchers. Applications close at 23:59 Anywhere on Earth on 16 August 2026.
Programme Snapshot
Programme: Research Fellow
Category: AI Governance Research Role
Host: GovAI
Preferred Locations: London or Washington, DC
Format: Full-time
Duration: Two-year fixed-term contract, with possible renewal
Salary: £84,000–£103,500 in London or $134,500–$170,000 in Washington, DC
Application Deadline: 16 August 2026 at 23:59 Anywhere on Earth
About the GovAI Research Fellow Role
Research Fellows play a central role in GovAI’s work. They conduct independent research intended to inform important decisions across government and industry.
Fellows work under the guidance of a Senior Research Fellow or a member of GovAI’s leadership team. However, they receive substantial autonomy when selecting projects, developing research agendas, and choosing publication formats.
Their work may result in academic publications, reports, policy memoranda, blog posts, or strategic advice. Fellows also contribute to GovAI’s wider research priorities and intellectual community.
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Research Responsibilities
The position combines independent research with collaboration, mentorship, and institutional development.
Research Fellows may:
• Define and implement a research agenda.
• Produce original research on AI governance.
• Inform policymakers and other decision-makers about urgent governance questions.
• Publish academic articles, policy memoranda, reports, and blog posts.
• Organise events involving stakeholders working on high-priority issues.
• Contribute to GovAI’s research strategy and institutional priorities.
• Supervise and mentor junior researchers.
• Help assess candidates for scholar and fellow positions.
GovAI provides guidance, research resources, access to collaborators, and opportunities to share completed work.
Research Areas
GovAI works across a broad range of subjects connected to artificial intelligence governance.
Relevant research areas include:
• Risk management
• Threat modelling
• Economics of AI
• Geopolitics of AI
• Frontier AI regulation
• Technical governance
The organisation is also interested in research concerning AI research and development automation, government use of AI, societal resilience, and ways to capture the benefits of AI.
Projects may address general-purpose AI systems or narrower AI applications and their policy implications.
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Who Can Apply?
GovAI welcomes candidates from varied academic and professional backgrounds.
Previous Research Fellows have brought experience from fields such as:
• Computer science
• Political science
• Public policy
• Economics
• Philosophy
• Law
• Government
• Industry
• Civil society
There are no strict educational requirements. However, strong candidates will typically have several years of relevant research or policy experience and a record of producing high-quality work.
Applicants with less research experience may also be considered for GovAI’s one-year visiting Research Scholar position. Both roles use a shared application, so candidates only need to submit one application.
Essential Qualifications
Successful candidates are expected to demonstrate:
• An ability to produce excellent research, ideally within or close to AI governance
• A strong interest in positively shaping the long-term effects of artificial intelligence
• Established expertise in an area relevant to AI governance
• Broad familiarity with the AI governance field
• A compelling research proposal with a clearly reasoned path to impact
GovAI also values self-direction, research judgement, intellectual honesty, rigour, clear communication, and effective collaboration.
Candidates should also be motivated to mentor others and contribute to a strong research culture.
Applicants with deep expertise in technical governance, frontier safety design, cybersecurity, or United States policy are especially encouraged. Strong applied experience, including advising policymakers or leading strategic initiatives, is also relevant.
Location and Visa Support
GovAI generally prefers Research Fellows to work from London or Washington, DC. However, candidates based elsewhere, including the San Francisco Bay Area, may also be considered.
Location preferences may depend on the proposed work.
• Policy-focused researchers may be expected to work near the relevant government centre.
• Fellows managing projects or launching initiatives may be expected to work from a GovAI office.
• Some supervisors may prefer fellows to work from the same office.
GovAI can sponsor visas in the United Kingdom. Visa sponsorship in the United States is available only in exceptional circumstances and may not be possible in many cases.
Salary and Employment Benefits
Research Fellows receive compensation based on their experience and location.
✓ London-based salary of £84,000–£103,500 per year
✓ Washington, DC-based salary of $134,500–$170,000 per year
✓ Additional compensation for some higher-cost locations
✓ Health, dental, and vision insurance
✓ £5,000 annual wellbeing budget
✓ £5,000 annual professional development budget
✓ £5,000 annual childcare budget
✓ £4,500 annual coworking-space budget for remote employees
✓ Flexible working hours
✓ Extended parental leave
✓ Ergonomic equipment
✓ Employer pension contribution of 10%
✓ 33 days of paid leave, including public holidays
United States-based employees receive a salary increase instead of the wellbeing budget.
GovAI may offer additional salary flexibility when compensation would otherwise prevent a selected candidate from accepting the position.
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Selection Process
The GovAI Research Fellow selection process includes several stages.
• Submission of a written application
• An abstract-reasoning assessment
• One or two paid remote work tests
• Preparation of a detailed two-year research agenda by candidates reaching the work-test stage
• Two interviews
• Reference checks
Some research areas may require candidates to complete a second paid work test.
Applicants who require disability-related application support, need a decision by a particular date, or have questions about the process may contact the recruitment team.
Application Deadline
Applications for the GovAI Research Fellow position must be submitted by:
23:59 Anywhere on Earth on Sunday, 16 August 2026
Candidates should complete the official online application before the stated closing time.
Apply Here
Submit your application through the official application form below.
