Postdoctoral Research Associate/Fellow

University of Exeter - Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences

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 Streatham campus 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 (available on the university's website, accessed by the 'Apply' button) for full details of this role and the differences between the grades.

Further information
For further information please contact Stephan Guttinger, e-mail s.m.guttinger@exeter.ac.uk.

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