The GovAI Research Fellow 2026 program is offering experienced researchers the opportunity to conduct impactful research on some of the world’s most important AI governance challenges. This research which is hosted by the Governance of AI (GovAI) is a fulltime fellowship designed for graduates who want to influence AI policy, advise governments and industry leaders, and contribute to research that informs critical decisions around advanced AI systems.
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If you have experience in AI governance, public policy, economics, computer science, law, political science, or another relevant discipline, this fellowship could provide an exceptional opportunity to expand your research while helping shape the future of AI.
GovAI Research Fellow 2026 Summary
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | Governance of AI (GovAI) |
| Position | Research Fellow |
| Job Type | Full-Time |
| Contract Duration | Two Years (Renewable) |
| Locations | London (UK), Washington DC (USA), Bay Area, and other approved locations |
| Salary (London) | £84,000 to £103,500 per year |
| Salary (Washington DC) | $134,500 to $170,000 per year |
| Visa Sponsorship | Available for UK positions (US sponsorship only in exceptional cases) |
| Application Deadline | August 16, 2026 |
| Application Process | Written application, reasoning assessment, work tests, interviews |
| Eligible Backgrounds | Computer Science, Economics, Public Policy, Political Science, Law, Philosophy, AI Governance, and related fields |
About the GovAI Research Fellow Program
The Governance of AI (GovAI) was established to help governments, industries, and society prepare for the rapid development of advanced artificial intelligence. Since its founding, GovAI has produced influential research that has shaped discussions around AI safety, regulation, international cooperation, and responsible AI development.
GovAI researchers regularly advise policymakers, government agencies, leading AI companies, and international organizations. Their work has contributed to important AI initiatives across Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United States, including the EU AI Act and international AI safety discussions.
What Research Fellows Do
Research Fellows have significant independence in shaping their research while working under the guidance of senior researchers. Their responsibilities include:
- Developing independent AI governance research projects
- Publishing academic papers
- Writing policy briefs and reports
- Producing blog articles and commentary
- Advising policymakers and decision makers
- Organizing workshops and stakeholder events
- Contributing to GovAI’s research strategy
- Supervising junior researchers and fellows
- Evaluating future fellowship applicants
Research Areas
- Risk Management: Research focuses on helping AI companies develop and deploy AI responsibly while balancing innovation with safety.
- Threat Modeling: Researchers study possible risks posed by advanced AI systems and explore strategies for reducing uncertainty around future AI developments.
- Economics of AI: Projects examine how AI could reshape labor markets, productivity, competition, economic growth, and global industries.
- Geopolitics of AI: Researchers analyze how countries compete in AI development and how international politics influences AI governance.
- Frontier AI Regulation: This area explores the impact of emerging AI regulations and evaluates how legal frameworks should evolve alongside AI technologies.
- Technical AI Governance: Researchers investigate technical solutions that improve AI governance, including compute governance, AI evaluations, and safety mechanisms.
- GovAI also welcomes proposals covering related areas such as:
- AI research automation
- Government use of AI
- AI resilience
- AI security
- Public sector AI adoption
- Frontier AI safety
- Cybersecurity and AI
- Strategic AI policy
Benefits of the GovAI Research Fellowship
- Salary up to £103,500 in London
- Salary up to $170,000 in Washington DC
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- £5,000 annual wellbeing budget
- £5,000 annual professional development budget
- £5,000 annual childcare support
- £4,500 annual coworking allowance for remote staff
- Flexible working hours
- Extended parental leave
- Ergonomic office equipment
- 10% employer pension contribution
- 33 days of paid annual leave
- Opportunities to collaborate with leading AI researchers worldwide
Eligibility Requirements
- Significant research experience in AI governance or a related field
- Ability to produce high-quality independent research
- Strong understanding of AI governance
- Commitment to shaping the long-term impact of AI
- Expertise in a relevant discipline
- Excellent communication skills
- Strong analytical thinking
- Ability to collaborate across disciplines
- Interest in mentoring junior researchers
Applicants from the following backgrounds are encouraged to apply also:
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Political Science
- Public Policy
- Law
- Philosophy
- International Relations
- Cybersecurity
- Technology Policy
- Government
- Industry
- Civil Society
What GovAI Looks For
- Independent thinking
- Research excellence
- Strong judgment
- Intellectual honesty
- Leadership potential
- Policy awareness
- Clear writing skills
- Ability to communicate complex ideas simply
- Commitment to producing research with practical impact
How to Apply for the 2026 GovAI Research Fellow Program
Applying for the GovAI Research Fellow position involves several stages. Since the selection process is competitive, applicants should prepare their materials carefully before submitting their applications.
Step 1: Prepare Your Application
Click the green button below to visit the official GovAI online application portal before the deadline. You should prepare:
- Your CV or resume
- Details of your educational background
- Employment history
- Relevant publications, reports, or research projects
- Examples of policy work or research impact, where applicable
Step 2: Prepare a Strong Research Proposal
A research proposal is one of the most important parts of your application. Your proposal should clearly explain:
- The AI governance problem you want to address
- Why the issue is important
- Your proposed research methodology
- Expected outcomes
- How your research could influence policy, industry, or society
Step 3: Submit the Online Application
Complete every required section of the online application carefully. Before submitting, make sure you:
- Review all information for accuracy
- Upload all required supporting documents
- Check for spelling and formatting errors
- Submit before 11:59 PM Anywhere on Earth (AoE) on August 16, 2026
Step 4: Complete the Abstract Reasoning Assessment
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to complete an abstract reasoning assessment. This assessment evaluates your ability to:
- Analyze unfamiliar information
- Identify logical patterns
- Solve complex problems
- Think critically under timed conditions
- Preparing with practice reasoning tests can improve your performance.
Step 5: Participate in Paid Remote Work Tests
Candidates who pass the assessment stage will complete one or two paid remote work tests. These practical exercises may involve:
- Analyzing AI governance issues
- Writing policy briefs
- Reviewing research evidence
- Evaluating governance proposals
- Producing structured written analyses
Step 6: Submit a Detailed Two-Year Research Agenda
Candidates progressing to the later stages must prepare a comprehensive research agenda outlining how they intend to spend their first two years at GovAI. The research agenda should explain:
- Your proposed research priorities
- Expected publications or outputs
- Planned collaborations
- Policy engagement strategy
- Expected long-term impact
Step 7: Attend Interviews
Successful applicants will be invited to one or two interviews with members of the GovAI research team.
Step 8: Reference Checks
Before a final offer is made, GovAI will contact your referees to verify your research experience, professional achievements, and suitability for the role. Applicants should inform their referees in advance to ensure timely responses.
Application Deadline: August 16, 2026
CLICK HERE TO START YOUR APPLICATION
GoodLuck!
