Researcher in Theology and AI Science

Full time

Fixed-term (36 months / 3 years)

About the Role

The post holder is a member of the research team for the God and the Machine project, with responsibility for providing systematic theological contributions across both of the project’s workstreams.

God and the Machine: Frontier Interactions between AI Science and Theology is a research project in the Ian Ramsey Centre for Science and Religion, Faculty of Theology and Religion, University of Oxford, funded by the John Templeton Foundation. The project develops a theological framework for understanding artificial intelligence as a mediating tool, working across two interrelated workstreams: Workstream 1 (Interpretation), which uses large language models as a computational hermeneutic tool, and Workstream 2 (Influence), which develops a theology of AI’s mediation of human formation.

The post holder will provide systematic theological contributions to both Workstream 1 and Workstream 2, acting as a general theological resource for the whole project. The successful candidate will bring experience in theology, ideally including work on the theology of AI. The gross annual salary has been set at Point 31 of the National Pay Spine, as appropriate for the career stage and experience of the post, and increments one scale point each October, in line with University of Oxford policy.

The project runs from 1 December 2026 to 30 November 2029; the post is available for up to 36 months within this period, with the exact start date to be agreed with the successful candidate. 

About You

You will hold a PhD/DPhil in a related field and have research experience in theology, ideally including work on the theology of AI. You will have specialist knowledge in systematic or constructive theology or theological ethics relevant to the project, as well as reading knowledge of German sufficient for close analysis of theological texts, which is essential for the project’s work on the German-language corpus of Karl Barth.

Application Process

You will be required to upload a supporting statement, CV, and the details of two referees as part of your online application. Your supporting statement should explain how you meet the selection criteria for the post, using examples of your skills and experience.

The closing date for applications is 12.00pm on Wednesday, 21 October.

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