Postdoctoral Research Associate/Fellow

Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences

The post

The Faculty wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate (Grade E) or Fellow (Grade F) to participate in the project “Agents that can err: Building the foundations for autonomous AI Scientists”, led by Stephan Guttinger. This Leverhulme funded post is available at the Exeter Streathamcampus from 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2030.

This project will bring together expertise in philosophy, computer science, and the natural sciences to develop the conceptual and mathematical tools needed for the trustworthy deployment of AI agents in science. The project is based at the Egenis Centre for the Study of the Life Sciences, a leading centre for interdisciplinary research on the biosciences and related disciplines. Egenis has a long tradition of pursuing a practice-focused approach to philosophy and offers a lively and diverse academic community that brings together philosophers, scientists, and social scientists.

The successful applicant will lead the development of a new theory of error in the life sciences. This theory will form the foundation for a novel benchmark that can assess the error-reasoning ability of AI Scientists and AI-human teams. The successful applicant will be closely involved in the critical assessment of and reflection on the use of AI agents in science.

About you – for a PDRA candidate

The successful applicant will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically, and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies.

Applicants will possess a PhD (or nearing completion) in Philosophy or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes. Experience in the natural sciences as well as an understanding of how AI is currently used in science is welcomed but not essential.

About you – for a PDRF candidate

The successful applicant will be able to develop research objectives, projects and proposals; identify sources of research funding and contribute to the process of securing funds and make presentations at conferences and other events.

Applicants will possess a PhD in Philosophy or an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study. The successful applicant will be a nationally recognised authority in the subject area and possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to develop research programmes and methodologies. The successful applicant will also be able to work collaboratively, supervise the work of others, and act as team leader as required. Experience in the natural sciences as well as an understanding of how AI is currently used in science is welcomed but not essential.

Please ensure you read the Job Descriptions for full details of this role and the differences between the grades.

What we can offer you

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research;
• Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly
• An Innovation directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career

• A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave(up to 26 weeks full pay), Paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a Fertility Treatment Policy

• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 200 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 and QS World University Ranking 2024).  We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2023, underpinned by Gold ratings for Student Experience and Student Outcomes.

Our world-leading research impact has grown more than any other Russell Group university in recent years, and we are home to some of the world’s most influential researchers, seeking to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today.  More than 99 percent of our research is of international quality and 47 percent is world-leading (2021 Research Excellence Framework).

We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students. Read about our world leading research – Green Futuresand how we are transforming educationfor a changing world. We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO Creative City

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

We are committed to ensuring reasonable adjustmentsare available for interviews and workplaces.

Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community. 

With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer.

We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenantand welcome applications from service people.

Further information

For further information please contact Stephan Guttinger, e-mail [email protected]

The closing date for completed applications is Wednesday 13th May 2026. Interviews are expected to take place on Tuesday 9 June 2026.