Staff scientist with a focus on AI policy and governance

Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology

Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.

The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.

Are you interested in learning more? Read about Umeå university as a workplace

The AI Policy Lab at Umeå University is committed to advancing research and developing actionable policy insights to support the ethical and responsible governance of AI. We collaborate with key stakeholders in academia, industry, and government to tackle pressing challenges in AI policy, ethics, and regulation. Our mission is to foster a fair and sustainable approach to AI development that aligns with societal values and promotes equitable outcomes across sectors.

The AI Policy Lab is hosted at the Department of Computing Science, which is characterized by world-leading research in a multitude of scientific fields and is ranked highly in international comparisons. The department has been growing rapidly in recent years, with a focus on creating an inclusive and bottom-up driven research environment. Our department consists of a diverse set of people from different nationalities, background and fields. If you work as a staff scientist with us, you receive the benefits of support in career development, networking, administrative and technical support functions, along with good employment conditions. More information about the department is available at: https://www.umu.se/en/department-of-computing-science/

Project description and working tasks

The AI Policy Lab seeks a skilled Staff Scientist to drive analysis and thought leadership in the AI policy, governance, and regulatory landscape. In this role, you will monitor global AI policy developments, assess their implications, and deliver strategic recommendations that support responsible AI deployment. As a research-focused role you will work on pioneering analyses, policy briefings, and stakeholder engagement that align with the Lab’s mission to guide AI’s development for positive societal impact.

The employment is full-time with starting date 1 March 2025 or as agreed.

Key Responsibilities

Policy Research and Analysis
- Continuously monitor, analyze, and interpret developments in AI policy, governance, and regulation across regions and international bodies.
- Produce timely, evidence-based analyses on regulatory frameworks, governance mechanisms, and AI ethical concerns, aligning research output with the AI Policy Lab's strategic goals.
- Identify emerging trends, risks, and opportunities in AI policy to support decision-making for both proactive and reactive engagement.

Strategic Recommendations and Advisory
- Evaluate the relevance of policy developments and determine strategic responses for the AI Policy Lab and its stakeholders.
- Synthesize research findings into actionable recommendations and communicate insights on governance and policy implications to senior leadership and Lab partners.
- Provide thought leadership in defining the AI Policy Lab’s positions on key issues in AI governance.

Research and Policy Publications
- Lead and contribute to the Lab’s research outputs, including high-impact policy briefs, research articles, and white papers on topics such as AI safety, ethics, accountability, and societal impact.
- Present research findings and policy perspectives in relevant forums, journals, and conferences to broaden the Lab’s influence and visibility in the global AI policy landscape.

Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration
- Engage with global AI policy stakeholders, including government agencies, academia, NGOs, and industry partners, to advocate for and disseminate responsible AI governance insights.
- Establish collaborative partnerships to support the Lab’s work and amplify its policy impact.

Project Development and Management
- Oversee and support the development of interdisciplinary projects involving AI policy, ethics, and governance.
- Coordinate project timelines, manage deliverables, and ensure adherence to high-quality standards in research and reporting.

Qualifications

A PhD in one of the following subjects: public policy, law, AI ethics, political science, or a related field with a focus on AI and technology policy.
Proven expertise on policy research or advisory roles, with a strong background in AI, technology policy, or related fields.
Proven ability to conduct research, synthesize complex information, and produce clear and actionable analyses on policy, governance, and regulation issues.
Fluency in English is required, and proficiency in Swedish is desirable.
Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality reports, policy briefs, and presentations tailored to diverse audiences, including technical and policy stakeholders, in English.

Other desirable qualifications

Experience with global AI policy trends and key players in policy, research, and industry.
Demonstrated skills in organizing and managing research projects

Application process

We expect many applicants. It is therefore of utmost importance that your application follows all guidelines and is complete. A complete application must contain the following documents:

A mandatory cover letter including a statement of research describing how you understand the requirements and expectations for this specific position and how you propose to realize its objectives (maximum 2 pages). Note that applications without a well-motivated letter of intent will not be considered.
Curriculum Vitae (CV) including a complete list of scientific publications.
Verified copy of doctoral degree certificate or documentation that clarifies when the degree of doctor is expected to be obtained,
Copies of other degree certificates, including documentation of completed academic courses and obtained grades.
Links to your PhD thesis and a list of (max 5) original research publications relevant to the position, annotated with a brief description of their relevance for the position.
Names and contact information for three persons willing to act as references.

Incomplete applications or applications not related to the position will not be considered.

The application must be written in English or Swedish, and attached documents must be written in or translated to English or Swedish. Documents must be in Word or pdf format. Applications must be submitted electronically using the e-recruitment system of Umeå University and be received no later than 15 January 2025. Log in to the system and apply via the button at the end of the page.

For additional information, please contact Prof. Dr. Virginia Dignum virginia@cs.umu.se.

We look forward to receiving your application!