Application Guide

How to Apply for Research Fellow

at Centre for the Governance of AI (GovAI)

🏢 About Centre for the Governance of AI (GovAI)

The Centre for the Governance of AI (GovAI) is a leading research organization focused on ensuring artificial intelligence development benefits humanity long-term. What makes GovAI unique is its direct influence on global AI policy through rigorous academic research combined with practical policy engagement, attracting top talent from academia, policy, and tech sectors. Working here offers the opportunity to shape foundational governance frameworks at a critical moment in AI development.

About This Role

As a Research Fellow at GovAI, you'll lead independent research projects while mentoring junior researchers and organizing stakeholder events to influence AI governance. This role is impactful because you'll directly inform policymakers on pressing AI governance issues while contributing to institutional research strategy that shapes global norms and regulations around advanced AI systems.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve morning research on emerging AI governance challenges, followed by collaborative sessions with junior researchers to refine their work, and afternoon policy memo drafting for upcoming engagements with UK or EU policymakers. You'd likely spend significant time reviewing academic literature while also preparing stakeholder presentations or event materials that translate research findings into actionable insights.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Centre for the Governance of AI (GovAI) Is Looking For

  • Has 3+ years of demonstrated research experience in AI governance, AI safety, technology policy, or adjacent fields with peer-reviewed publications or high-impact policy memos
  • Possesses deep domain expertise in specific AI governance areas like algorithmic accountability, international AI treaties, compute governance, or AI safety standards
  • Demonstrates ability to both conduct rigorous academic research and translate findings for policymakers through multiple formats (academic papers, policy briefs, blog posts)
  • Shows evidence of research leadership through previous project initiation, collaboration building, or mentorship of junior researchers

📝 Tips for Applying to Centre for the Governance of AI (GovAI)

1

Highlight specific AI governance topics you've researched (e.g., frontier model oversight, AI liability frameworks, compute tracking) rather than general AI interest

2

Include concrete examples of how you've informed policymakers or organized stakeholder events in past roles

3

Demonstrate familiarity with GovAI's existing publications by referencing specific papers or researchers in your application

4

Show how your research agenda aligns with GovAI's focus areas like catastrophic risk reduction, international coordination, or technical AI governance

5

Provide writing samples that showcase both academic rigor and policy relevance, ideally including at least one policy memo format

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Articulate a specific research agenda you'd pursue at GovAI, connecting it to current gaps in AI governance literature", "Demonstrate understanding of GovAI's unique position bridging academic research and policy influence", 'Provide concrete examples of past research that informed decision-makers or convened stakeholders', 'Explain how your expertise complements existing GovAI research strengths while bringing new perspectives']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read at least 5 recent GovAI publications to understand their research priorities and methodological approaches
  • → Review the backgrounds of current GovAI researchers to identify potential collaboration opportunities
  • → Study GovAI's past events and stakeholder engagements to understand their policy influence channels
  • → Familiarize yourself with the UK's position on AI governance and how remote UK-based work might affect policy engagement

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you design a research project on [specific AI governance challenge] that produces both academic and policy impact?
2 What specific policymakers or institutions should GovAI prioritize engaging with, and how would you approach them?
3 How would you mentor a junior researcher working on their first AI governance publication?
4 What existing GovAI research do you find most compelling, and how would you build upon it?
5 How do you balance academic rigor with timely policy relevance in fast-moving AI governance debates?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on technical AI capabilities without connecting to governance, policy, or societal impact
  • Presenting generic interest in 'AI ethics' without demonstrating deep knowledge of specific governance mechanisms
  • Failing to articulate how remote work from the UK would enable effective policy engagement with relevant institutions

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Centre for the Governance of AI (GovAI)!

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