Opportunities

We welcome expressions of interest to join in developing the philosophy-to-code pipeline at HAI Lab, both to support existing projects and to propose new projects in the spirit of our mission. 

HAI Lab will consider academics, including those on leave from other institutions, researchers, and technologists, and in some cases people from other fields including the arts, strictly on the basis of demonstrated skill, track record, and fit with the HAI Lab research mission. We look for outstanding individuals with world-class potential, but we do not in all cases require a graduate degree. 

Opportunities

We can consider expressions of interest for periods ranging from 90 days to a year or more, subject to visa requirements. Depending on the nature of the proposed project, hybrid or remote arrangements may be possible. Applications will be considered for the following unpaid categories:

• Senior Research Associate 

• Research Associate

• Affiliated Student

The University will determine which of of these categories best fits your level of seniority. HAI Lab will also consider more informal requests for collaboration from members of other units in the University of Oxford, who should email aiethics-hailab@philosophy.ox.ac.uk. 

HAI Lab does not consider applications for graduate study directly. Students accepted into any graduate program in the University of Oxford may submit an expression of interest at any time to aiethics-hailab@philosophy.ox.ac.uk to collaborate on projects, should their home departments permit them to do so.

We periodically advertise short-term opportunities for enrolled Oxford undergraduate and graduate students here, including research assistant roles and opportunities for small grants to support independent human-centered AI projects. Such opportunities will be announced here when available.


Funding

All of these positions are unpaid. If funding is required, it must be secured independently before accepting an offer of association. For all categories of potential members, the Cosmos Institute will consider candidates for a Cosmos Fellowship, with applications for those opportunities to be made separately with the Cosmos Institute. Funded award holders from Oxford University or other universities are welcome to apply. Collaboration opportunities for current Oxford University employees may also be possible. 

Please note that funding under any of these categories does not guarantee acceptance of a HAI Lab application.


How to Apply

Step 1 - Secure your own funding

Step 2 - Check for Visa requirements and eligibility and act accordingly

Step 3 - Complete an application form

Step 4 - Send one email to aiethics-hailab@philosophy.ox.ac.uk using subject title 'HAI LAB Opportunities' and attaching the following documents:

  1. A brief description of the project or projects you plan to pursue during your visit (maximum 500 words) 
  2. CV
  3. List of publications (if applicable)
  4. The names and contact details of three referees who are familiar with your work and whom we may contact about your application.
  5. Copy of your passport (details page)

Step 5 – Once received your application will be reviewed and the HAI Lab will contact you regarding the outcome of your application

Step 6 - Apply for your appropriate visa [if applicable] and ATAS certificate. Read more visa information below.

Step 7 - Organise travel and accommodation

Applications will be considered after the end of each term. We must receive submissions on or before the last day of term. Applications received after the respective deadline will be considered at the next available gathered field. 

Deadlines for the current academic year are as follows:


Academic Year 2025/26

  • Michaelmas Term deadline: Saturday, December 5 2025 
  • Hillary Term deadline: Saturday, 14 March 2026
  • Trinity Term deadline 3: Saturday, 20 June 2026

You are advised to apply at least six months in advance of the proposed dates of the visit for all visa nationals and three months in advance for non-visa nationals (if visiting for six months or less. If visiting for over six months, then non-visa nationals will also need to apply six months before their visit). Late applications will only be considered in exceptional circumstances.

We reserve the right to restrict the number of HAI Lab members and suitability depends on a variety of factors including our current portfolio of projects. Our intake is highly competitive but a negative decision should not be interpreted as a judgment on the quality of your work. An application does not guarantee acceptance. You will be informed in writing of the result of your application.


Visa Information

Visitors from overseas may need to obtain a visa to enter the UK. In the event that a visa is required, the HAI Lab will provide you with an appropriate supporting letter for your visa application, but please be aware that we are unable to assist with any aspect (financial or administrative) of the application process. Applicants are required to ensure that they have obtained in advance of their visit any visa which is required in order to enable them to enter the UK under the appropriate status. Also, individuals undertaking an element of research in certain sensitive subjects must obtain an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) before commencing their visit. If you are unsure or need guidance concerning the above, in the first instance, please send your query to aiethics-hailab@philosophy.ox.ac.uk Failure to obtain a required ATAS certificate (when required) will prevent the visit from commencing. Applying in good time and before travelling to the UK is essential.


Benefits

Applicants who are successful will receive the following opportunities:

  • Engagement with the HAI Lab and its network
  • Attendance at events and seminars
  • Access to the HAI Lab’s hot-desk workspace 
  • Oxford University email address (excludes short-term visitors)
  • Access to the University's Bodleian Library

You will not be entitled to

•  Accommodation or assistance in finding accommodation

• Administrative support

• Supervision by a member of the Faculty's academic staff


Accommodation

The HAI Lab is not responsible for arranging your accommodation in Oxford and has no accommodation of its own. However, here are a few suggestions for how you might find accommodation.

  1. Commonwealth House provides accommodation for Visitors from overseas. You can contact their staff by email, and further details can be found on their website
  2. The Daily Info website is also a useful source of information regarding accommodation available across the city
  3. If you are interested in staying with a host family in Oxford, you can contact the following organisations: Homestay Oxford and Oxford Homestay


University Card and Official Letters 

You will be asked to complete an application form for your University Card and return it in advance of your visit so that the card will be ready for your arrival. Forms must be returned with a photo attachment. 

You will also be asked whether you require any official letters of introduction from us to register with the police station or open a bank account. If you do need these letters, you will then be asked for the following information so that we can have them ready for your arrival:

  1. The bank you wish to open an account with (and the specific branch). If you do not have a preference, we will address it to the HSBC branch located on Cornmarket Street in the centre of Oxford
  2. Your passport number
  3. Your date of birth
  4. Your home address
  5. Your address in Oxford


Arrival in Oxford

Within one week of arriving in Oxford, you must notify the HAI Lab of your arrival. An appointment will then be arranged for your welcome induction, at which stage a copy of your passport (and visa, if applicable) will be taken and held on file.


IT Facilities

Any use of IT facilities via the University's computer network is subject to the University's rules and regulations. Visitors' attention is specifically drawn to the following sites, which should be read.

  1. University information security website
  2. University Policy on Data Protection
  3. Use of personal data
  4. How the University implements the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (SSO required)
  5. Six key principles of data privacy (SSO required)