| Location: | York |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £37,694 to £56,535 Grade 6 / 7 |
| Hours: | Full Time |
| Contract Type: | Fixed-Term/Contract |
| Placed On: | 8th April 2026 |
|---|---|
| Closes: | 5th May 2026 |
| Job Ref: | 14919 |
Role Description
This role will give you the opportunity to help achieve the safe and responsible uptake of AI and Autonomous Systems (AI/AS) in application domains including automotive, healthcare, maritime and rail. You will be part of the Centre for Assuring Autonomy (CfAA) that pioneered approaches to assuring AI and autonomous systems.
This role offers the opportunity to both accelerate the adoption of these core ideas and to further advance them. Building on our Guidance on the Safety Assurance of Autonomous Systems in Complex Environments (SACE), you will conduct research using a whole-systems approach to the design, analysis and assurance of AI/AS from engineering and sociotechnical viewpoints. A key focus area will be safety cases for AI/AS, specifically how they are developed and reviewed throughout their lifecycle. You will also have the opportunity to engage with PhD students from the UKRI AI Centre for Doctoral Training in Safe Artificial Intelligence Systems (SAINTS) through joint research projects, training activities and co-supervision.
We are seeking researchers who can demonstrate the capacity to push the boundaries of safety science for AI/AS, rather than simply applying existing techniques. Please specify if you wish to apply for this role as a Research Associate or a Research Fellow.
Skills, Experience & Qualification needed
Grade 6 - Research Associate
First degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Psychology or cognate discipline
PhD, or in final stages thereof, in Computer Science, Engineering, Psychology, Safety Science or cognate discipline, or equivalent experience
Knowledge of safety science and system safety, with the ability to conduct high-quality research
Knowledge of AI and autonomous systems, specifically their design and/or use within safety-critical environments
Ability to work as part of a diverse and multidisciplinary team
Collaborative ethos
Grade 7 - Research Fellow
First degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Psychology or cognate discipline
PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, Psychology, Safety Science or cognate discipline, or equivalent experience
Knowledge of safety science and system safety, with the ability to conduct high-quality research
Knowledge of AI and autonomous systems, specifically their design and/or use within safety-critical environments
Ability to lead and/or take responsibility for a small research project or identified parts of a large project
Ability to supervise the work of others, for example in research teams or projects
Ability to work as part of a diverse and multidisciplinary team
Collaborative ethos
Interview date: w/c 18th May
For informal enquiries: please contact (Professor Ibrahim Habli) on (Ibrahim.Habli@york.ac.uk)
The University strives to be diverse and inclusive – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.
We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University.
We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork
As a Disability Confident employer, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum (essential) criteria for each position will be offered an interview. Read more about the University of York’s commitments under the Disability Confident scheme.
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