Senior Researcher in Next Generation Foundation Models Full-time

Senior Researcher in Next Generation Foundation Models

We are pleased to offer two Senior Researcher positions on a fixed-term contract until 15 December 2027, with the possibility of extension, to lead research on next-generation foundation models within the Science of Fundamental AI Research (SOFAIR) Lab. SOFAIR is an ambitious Science of AI research programme focused on discovering and validating next-generation AI paradigms, combining academic depth and independent thinking with research practices including a top-down research agenda, focused sprints, and progressive model validation.

These posts unite interdisciplinary academic expertise to pursue fundamentally new foundation models, moving beyond incremental refinement of existing models. The successful applicants will help advance open, distributed, and trustworthy AI systems, positioning the UK at the centre of global efforts to shape the future of open AI. A defining principle of SOFAIR is that ideas alone are not enough: promising concepts must be implemented and tested at scale to establish their utility. Ideally, successful applicants will also be interested in innovation and spinouts.

The post holders will work within an interdisciplinary, collaborative research environment and will be expected to contribute to SOFAIR's working-group model. During Phase 1, the programme is organised initially around UK-MLM, Novel Architectures and Distributed Compute, with flexibility for the programme to evolve as research progresses. Researchers will report progress, engage with the wider team and Science Committee, and adapt their focus towards the most promising directions.

In addition to research, the post holders will lead day-to-day supervision of DPhil students and research associates, and lead grant applications.

All posts are part of the new Science of Fundamental AI Research (SOFAIR) Lab, a major UKRI-funded research initiative. The lab is led by Prof David Barber at University College London. The Oxford Principal Investigator is Prof Yarin Gal, with co-Investigators Prof Michael Bronstein, Prof Mark van der Wilk, and Prof Michael Wooldridge.

The University of Oxford is a stimulating work environment, which enjoys an international reputation as a world-class centre of excellence. Our research plays a key role in tackling many global challenges, from reducing our carbon emissions to developing vaccines during a pandemic. The Department of Computer Science at Oxford is renowned for pioneering research and teaching across diverse fields, consistently ranking among the best in the world. Our commitment to innovation drives us to tackle complex technological and societal challenges.

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees' wellbeing, reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

• Excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days annual leave (including public holidays) – pro rata for part time jobs
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle loan scheme and discounted public transport

The candidate is expected to work in the department at Oxford. Remote work and visits to collaborating institutions will be upon agreement with the line manager and the Department.

Committed to equality and valuing diversity.

You will be required to upload a supporting statement and an up-to-date CV as part of your online application. Your supporting statement must clearly demonstrate how you meet each of the essential selection criteria listed in the job description. Applications that do not include a supporting statement or CV, or fail to address the criteria in sufficient detail, will not be considered.

While we recognise the value of AI tools in assisting with application preparation, submissions that are clearly AI-generated without personalisation or insight will be rejected. It's crucial that your application reflects your own experiences and understanding of the role.

The closing date for applications is midday on 27 November 2026. Interviews are expected to be held in December.