GovAI Research Fellowship 2026 | UK & USA Sponsorship

Introduction

Applications are now open for the GovAI Research Fellowship 2026. The Centre for the Governance of AI is inviting experienced researchers worldwide to join its two-year renewable Research Fellow position, designed for those who want to conduct impactful research on AI governance while helping policymakers navigate the challenges of advanced artificial intelligence. Fellows may be placed in the UK or the USA, with competitive salaries reaching up to £103,500 in London or $170,000 in Washington, DC.

About the Organization

The Centre for the Governance of AI (GovAI) is an internationally respected research organization focused on AI governance, policy, and ethics, informing governments, international institutions, and industry leaders on how advanced AI systems should be developed, regulated, and deployed responsibly. GovAI alumni have gone on to influential roles in government across the US, UK, and EU, at leading AI companies including DeepMind, OpenAI, and Anthropic, and at top think tanks and universities.

Scholarship Overview

The Research Fellow position runs for 2 years and is renewable, with the application deadline set at 16 August 2026. Fellows can work on topics including AI Risk Management, AI Governance, Public Policy, Technical AI Governance, AI Economics, Geopolitics of AI, Threat Modeling, AI Safety, and Strategic Policy Research. GovAI can sponsor visas in the UK, but only supports US visa sponsorship in exceptional cases.

Eligibility Explained

• Have demonstrated experience conducting high-quality research.
• Possess expertise in AI governance or a closely related discipline.
• Show strong interest in shaping the future of AI responsibly.
• Have a track record of producing impactful research.
• Be able to work independently while collaborating with other researchers.
• Be interested in mentoring junior researchers.
• There are no formal degree requirements, and candidates from academic, government, industry, and civil society backgrounds are all encouraged to apply.

Benefits Explained

• Competitive salary based on experience and location.
• Visa sponsorship (UK sponsorship is standard; US sponsorship only in exceptional cases).
• Annual salary of £84,000–£103,500 in London, or $134,500–$170,000 in Washington, DC.
• Additional pay for high cost-of-living locations.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Annual budgets for wellbeing, professional development, and childcare.
• Coworking space allowance for remote employees.
• Flexible working hours and extended parental leave.
• Ergonomic equipment support.
• 10% employer pension contribution.
• 33 days of paid annual leave, including public holidays.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit an online application through the official GovAI website. While the specific document list is confirmed during the application process itself, candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their research track record, relevant publications, and a clear statement of their research interests within the AI governance field.

Application Process (Step by Step)

1. Review GovAI's research areas and confirm your expertise aligns with one or more of them.
2. Visit the official GovAI website and locate the Research Fellow application page.
3. Complete the online application with your research background and areas of interest.
4. Submit any requested supporting materials, such as publications or a research statement.
5. Submit your complete application before 16 August 2026.

How to Improve Your Chances

• Clearly demonstrate a track record of impactful research output, since this is explicitly weighted heavily in review, more than formal credentials.
• Show genuine interest in mentoring junior researchers, since this is an explicit part of the role's responsibilities.
• Tailor your application to GovAI's specific research areas, such as technical AI governance or geopolitics of AI, rather than presenting a generalist research profile.
• If you have less research experience, note that GovAI may consider you for its related one-year Visiting Research Scholar position using the same application, so apply even if you're uncertain about seniority fit.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting a broad research proposal without a defined decision-maker or policy audience in mind.
• Relying primarily on academic credentials without clearly explaining your research's real-world impact.
• Overlooking the mentorship component of the role, GovAI explicitly values fellows who want to mentor junior researchers.
• Assuming a formal degree is required, there are no formal degree requirements for this position.

FAQs

Is this position paid? Yes, with an annual salary of £84,000–£103,500 in London or $134,500–$170,000 in Washington, DC.

Does GovAI sponsor visas? Yes, for the UK role. US visa sponsorship is only supported in exceptional cases.

Do I need a specific degree to apply? No, there are no formal degree requirements, and candidates from academic, government, industry, and civil society backgrounds are all welcome.

Is there a related option for less experienced researchers? Yes, GovAI may consider applicants with less experience for its one-year Visiting Research Scholar position using the same application.

Final Advice

For experienced researchers who want to shape how the world governs advanced AI, the GovAI Research Fellowship offers a genuinely well-compensated, two-year renewable position with strong institutional backing and a track record of alumni moving into influential government and industry roles. Focus your application on demonstrating real research impact and a clear connection to one of GovAI's core research areas, rather than leaning on credentials alone.

Key Details at a Glance

• Host Organization: Centre for the Governance of AI (GovAI)
• Position: Research Fellow
• Duration: 2 Years (Renewable)
• Location: UK, USA
• Benefits: Fully Funded, Competitive Salary
• Application Deadline: 16 August 2026
• Salary Range: £84,000-£103,500 (London) or $134,500-$170,000 (Washington, DC)
• Degree Requirement: None formally required

Disclaimer: Program details, deadlines, and requirements are subject to change by the Centre for the Governance of AI. Applicants should verify all current information directly on the official GovAI website before applying.