Postdoctoral Research Associate/Fellow - Philosophy and Ethics of AI

This full time, ERC funded post is available January 2027 to 31 December 2031.

The successful applicant will conduct outstanding, international quality research on the ethics of AI and military decision-making. They will produce outstanding publications in the course of the research and establishing themselves as an expert in the field.

The post

The Faculty is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate or Fellow with expertise in with expertise in philosophy, ethics, political philosophy, moral philosophy, philosophy of technology, or a closely related field to work with Professor Anthony King (Principal Investigator) on his ERC Advanced Grant project GENERAL-AI: Artificial Intelligence and Military Decision-Making.

Applicants must have lived continuously in the UK for at least 5 years and be a national of a NATO member state in order to be eligible to obtain and maintain the required security clearance level for the role. Applications from candidates that do not meet the criteria will not be considered.

Appointment will be conditional upon the successful completion of security vetting.

The Project: GENERAL-AI: Artificial Intelligence and Military Decision-Making

GENERAL-AI is a five-year European Research Council Advanced Grant investigating how artificial intelligence is transforming military decision-making. The project challenges speculative accounts of AI taking over military command by examining what AI can actually do, how military commanders and their staffs use AI in practice, and the ethical implications of its use in war.

Focusing on AI-enabled high-intensity land warfare, the project combines the sociology of science and technology, ethnographic research, and philosophy and ethics. It investigates the development of military AI by leading technology companies, its use within NATO and European military headquarters, and the legal and ethical frameworks governing its application.

The project will provide a detailed empirical account of the relationship between AI and human decision-making, while developing new theoretical perspectives on how AI is changing cognition, organisations and military command. Its findings will contribute both to academic debates about AI and to contemporary European security and defence policy.

GENERAL AI consists of three work packages: Work Package 1 examines the technology itself exploring the development and character of AI Decision Support Systems through engagement with the relevant tech companies. Work Package 2 explores the process of decision-making inside military headquarters. Work Package 3 will examine the ethics of military decision making with AI. This post refers to Work Package 3.

Please see the full details of this exciting opportunity by clicking on Apply button to apply.

About you

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.

For PDRA applicants, you will possess a relevant PhD (or nearing completion). For PDRF applicants, you will possess a relevant PhD. Applicants will be able to plan, execute and conduct international level research and publish findings in peer reviewed journals and books.

Further information

For further information please contact Professor Anthony King, e-mail a.c.king@exeter.ac.uk or telephone (01392) 723259.

Interviews are expected to take place Late Nov/Early Dec.