Research Scholar | GovAI Blog

2026-05-31 · Source: The Centre for the Governance of AI Blog · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, AI Governance & Policy, AI Safety & Risk Management · Depth: Advanced, medium

Summary

GovAI's Research Scholar role is a one-year visiting position designed to foster career development for AI governance researchers and practitioners, offering flexibility to pursue impactful projects. Scholars engage in policy, social science, or technical research; advise policymakers; or launch new initiatives, covering topics like risk management, threat modeling, economics of AI, geopolitics of AI, public policy, and technical governance. GovAI, known for defining the AI governance field and establishing a \$15 million philanthropic foundation for "cooperative AI," provides supervision, mentorship, and feedback. The fixed 12-month contracts, with applications now closed until January 21, 2026, typically prefer candidates based in London, UK (£75,000-£95,000 annually) or Washington, DC (\$100,000-\$150,000 annually), and include comprehensive benefits.

Key takeaway

For aspiring AI governance researchers and practitioners seeking a structured career development opportunity, consider GovAI's Research Scholar program. This one-year visiting position offers significant flexibility to pursue impactful work in areas like risk management, public policy, or technical governance, while building your professional network and skills. Monitor GovAI's opportunities page for future application windows, particularly noting the January 21, 2026 date for potential re-opening.

Key insights

The GovAI Research Scholar program offers a structured, flexible pathway for career development in AI governance.

Principles

• AI governance benefits from diverse academic and professional backgrounds.
• Impactful contributions can span traditional research and applied initiatives.

Method

The program supports scholars through weekly/bi-weekly supervision, external mentorship, Research Manager guidance, and regular work-in-progress feedback sessions.

In practice

• Inform policymakers on pressing AI governance issues.
• Produce original research or launch new AI governance organizations.

Topics

• AI Governance
• Research Fellowships
• Public Policy
• Risk Management
• Geopolitics of AI
• Career Development

Best for: AI Scientist, Research Scientist, Policy Maker

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by The Centre for the Governance of AI Blog.