Research Associate (Fixed Term)

The Centre for the Study of Existential Risk (CSER) invites applications for a Research Associate interested in improving our understanding of how AI may deliberately or accidentally affect biosecurity risk, as well as developing commentary on why some advances and interactions have provoked more concern than others. This role is fixed term for 12 months and would suit someone with a PhD in a relevant technical field, who is interested in engaging with governance and policy.

CSER is part of the Institute for Technology and Humanity (ITH), which supports world-leading research and teaching that investigates and shapes technological transformations and the opportunities and challenges they pose for our societies, our environment and our world. The highly interdisciplinary team works on topics ranging from pandemics to climate change, engaging with policymakers at the national and international level.

This post is made possible by a recent donation intended for research that will develop new insights on this topic. The role-holder will be supported by senior colleagues with a good understanding of existing assessments of how AI and biotechnology could increase or decrease the potential for a global catastrophe. For some recent background, please read this write-up of our AI Bio Seminar series: https://www.engbio.cam.ac.uk/news/understanding-ai-enabled-biological-threats-hype-hazard-and-governance.

More information about CSER and our research can be found at https://www.cser.ac.uk/.

Key activities associated with the role include:

• Answer a list of key research questions, developed with senior colleagues
• Lead production of papers, reports, and presentations based on research
• Maintain collaborations with leading research and policy communities

Applicants must have:

• A PhD in a relevant technical discipline (including but not limited to biology, computer science, engineering, population health, modelling) and an interest in policy
• A demonstrable ability to critically engage with technical policy documents related to AI and biology
• Experience of engaging with diverse communities of experts
• Enthusiasm for joining an interdisciplinary team focused on mitigating global catastrophic risk.

In order for your application to be considered, please upload the following:

• Your Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• A cover letter of no more than 1,000 words. Please outline any skills and experience you have that would be relevant for this role. Please include examples and evidence that demonstrate your skills/capabilities.
• A written sample of no more than 8,000 words from a journal article, book chapter, working paper or similar.
• The names and contact details of two referees who are familiar with your work.

Informal enquiries about the role are welcomed and should be directed to Jessica Bland at recruitment@cser.cam.ac.uk. If you have any questions about the application process, please contact the School's HR Team on sahhr@admin.cam.ac.uk.

The closing date for applications is midnight (BST) on Sunday 6 July 2025. Interviews are planned for late July 2025, subject to change.

Please quote reference GO46112 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

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.

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