University of Exeter
4 days ago
Postdoctoral Research Associate/Fellow in Science and Technology Studies, AI and Military Decision-Making University of Exeter in United Kingdom
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
Full-time ERC-funded post. Salary starts from £34,610 to £39,906 for PDRA, or £43,482 for PDRF, depending on experience. Available from January 2027 to 31 December 2031.
Deadline
Nov 6, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Exeter
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About this position
Postdoctoral Research Associate/Fellow in Science and Technology Studies at the University of Exeter
This is a full-time, ERC-funded post in the Strategy and Security Institute and the Defence Data Research Centre at the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom. The role sits within the project GENERAL-AI: Artificial Intelligence and Military Decision-Making, led by Professor Anthony King.
The post focuses on Science and Technology Studies (STS), sociology of science, artificial intelligence, ethics, and military decision-making. The successful candidate will work on Work Package 1, investigating how AI technologies are developed, adapted, and applied for military purposes, including documentary and qualitative research, literature review, interviews with executives, data scientists, programmers, engineers, and other specialists, and analysis of the organisational and technical processes behind military AI.
The project examines how AI becomes a military capability, how software, data, and algorithms are produced and adapted, and how human expertise and organisational practices shape these systems. It also connects to broader debates in security studies, defence policy, and the ethics of AI in war.
Eligibility: For PDRA applicants, a relevant PhD or near completion is required. For PDRF applicants, a relevant PhD is required. Applicants must also be able to obtain and maintain security clearance, which requires continuous UK residence for at least 5 years and nationality of a NATO member state.
Funding and duration: The post is ERC funded, full time, with salary from £34,610 to £39,906 for PDRA or £43,482 for PDRF depending on experience. The appointment runs from January 2027 to 31 December 2031.
Deadline: 6 November 2026. Interviews are expected in late November or early December.
How to apply: Review the job description and person specification, then submit an application through the University of Exeter careers portal. Contact Professor Anthony King at [email protected] for further information.
Funding details
Full-time ERC-funded post. Salary starts from £34,610 to £39,906 for PDRA, or £43,482 for PDRF, depending on experience. Available from January 2027 to 31 December 2031.
What's required
Applicants must have a relevant PhD for PDRF, or be nearing completion for PDRA. Candidates should have expertise in Science and Technology Studies, sociology of science, or a closely related field. They must be able to plan and conduct international-level research, publish in peer-reviewed journals and books, present research progress clearly, and prepare proposals and applications. Applicants must also meet the eligibility criteria for security clearance: continuous residence in the UK for at least 5 years and nationality of a NATO member state.
How to apply
Read the job description and person specification, then apply via the University of Exeter careers page. For questions, contact Professor Anthony King by email or phone. Interviews are expected in late November or early December.
More information can be found here
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