Research Fellowship (AI), Imperial Policy Forum

About the role

The Imperial Policy Forum are recruiting research Fellows to work on an exciting new initiative connecting research in fundamental and applied AI to policy. Fellows will conduct their own research programme as well as support in the delivery of AI upskilling and expertise transfer to government. 

What you would be doing

The objectives for the role are:

• to deliver ground-breaking research in fundamental & applied AI that is directly relevant to policy.
• to develop and deliver expert-led training on AI to civil servants across government.

Fellows will spend 50% of their time on each of:

• their own research programme – either self-directed, supported by the multidisciplinary team at the Imperial Policy Forum, or in collaboration with one of the AI research groups at Imperial College.
• supporting the delivery of AI upskilling and expertise transfer to government – through codeveloping and delivering training courses, working on applied research projects that respond to policy questions, part-time or short-term secondments into government and third sector organisations, and collaboration with secondees into the Imperial Policy Forum.

What we are looking for

We are a multidisciplinary team, and applications from social scientists, AI researchers, and policy experts are strongly encouraged. AI here should be interpreted very broadly: it could include any of (but is not limited to) fundamental research in machine learning or statistics, algorithm design, the application of AI methods in science, healthcare, social sciences, or business.

You should have a PhD or equivalent level of expertise in a relevant discipline, and a track record in one of the following areas, with evidenced interest in developing the others:

• Original research in AI, machine learning, or a related field.
• Policy-relevant work in AI or a related field.
• Effective communication of complex scientific ideas to a non-technical audience.

Application should include:

• A short CV.
• A summary, in one page or less, of your proposed research. This should be suitable for a general scientific audience.
• A description of your proposed research, of at most two pages, aimed at experts in that field.
• A short note, of at most one page, that describes a policy challenge or recent scientific advance related to AI, and its implications for UK government policy.
• If you propose to deliver their research programme in collaboration with one of the AI research groups at Imperial, a statement of support from that research group.

What we can offer you

• The opportunity to work in a unique multidisciplinary team focused on delivering positive impact to how government understands and uses AI.
• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• Grow your career: gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression.
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further information

A 2-year fixed-term position with the potential for a 12-month extension.

If you require any further details about the role, please contact:

Pete Ford, Head of Imperial Policy Forum (p.ford@imperial.ac.uk); and Professor Tom Coates (t.coates@imperial.ac.uk).