University of York
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Fully Funded PhD in Safe Artificial Intelligence and Lifelong AI Safety Assurance University of York in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
Fully funded PhD opportunity. Home-fee-status students eligible for the TechFirst stipend receive a tax-free stipend of £30,000 per year, pro rata for part-time researchers, normally increasing annually with inflation. Annual tuition fees are paid, and funding is available for research-related events and conferences. International-fee-status applicants may apply but receive the standard UKRI minimum stipend of £21,805 for 2026–27; the 2027–28 amount will be confirmed in early 2027.
Deadline
Jan 11, 2027
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of York
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About this position
The Centre for Doctoral Training in Safe AI Systems (SAINTS CDT) offers a multidisciplinary PhD focused exclusively on the safety of artificial intelligence. The programme develops research expertise for ensuring that AI systems deliver benefits without introducing harm as their capabilities, environments and operating contexts evolve.
Research centres on the lifelong safety assurance of increasingly autonomous AI systems in dynamic and uncertain contexts. Projects draw on concepts and methods from artificial intelligence, safety science, philosophy, law, sociology and health sciences, creating opportunities for researchers from varied academic and professional backgrounds.
Doctoral researchers train together through taught courses covering the technical, legal, ethical and societal foundations and implications of safe AI. The PhD may be completed over four years full-time or eight years part-time, with research designed to support careers in safety-critical sectors including transport, healthcare and national security.
Researchers are based at the Institute for Safe Autonomy at the University of York, described as the world's first institute dedicated to safe autonomy. The setting provides laboratories, collaboration spaces and an inclusive environment with colleagues working at the leading edge of their fields.
SAINTS CDT works with more than thirty industry, government, regulatory and charity partners. These partners contribute to doctoral research and offer opportunities for researchers to gain industry experience, with some potentially providing employment opportunities after graduation.
Funding details
Fully funded PhD opportunity. Home-fee-status students eligible for the TechFirst stipend receive a tax-free stipend of £30,000 per year, pro rata for part-time researchers, normally increasing annually with inflation. Annual tuition fees are paid, and funding is available for research-related events and conferences. International-fee-status applicants may apply but receive the standard UKRI minimum stipend of £21,805 for 2026–27; the 2027–28 amount will be confirmed in early 2027.
What's required
Applicants should typically hold or expect to obtain a first-class honours degree or equivalent, or a 2:1 honours degree together with a Master's degree or equivalent. Relevant work experience or equivalent qualifications may be considered for applicants with non-traditional career paths. Applicants must have knowledge and experience enabling them to undertake doctoral research in a chosen SAINTS CDT area, such as computer science, engineering, mathematics, economics, health sciences, law, philosophy or sociology.
How to apply
Review the SAINTS CDT entry requirements and application guidance on the programme website, then submit an application through the advertised University of York/jobs.ac.uk route before 12 noon GMT on 11 January 2027. Questions can be sent to [email protected].
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