Postdoctoral Research Associate

University of Edinburgh Information Services Group

Postdoctoral researcher developing mathematical and computational methods for AI risk, assurance and insurance. Collaborating with universities and AXA on safe, trustworthy and insurable AI.

Posted 8/21/2026full-timeEdinburgh • 🇬🇧 United KingdomJuniorMid-Level💰 £41,064 - £48,822 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates strong expertise in AI risk evaluation, algorithmic assurance, and insurance, with a focus on developing mathematical and computational methods. Capable of publishing research findings and collaborating effectively with academic and industry partners.

Highest-signal resume keywords

AI Risk EvaluationStochastic OptimisationReinforcement LearningAlgorithmic AssuranceResearch Publication

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Mathematical MethodsStatistical MethodsComputational MethodsRisk MeasuresSystemic RiskConformal PredictionUncertainty QuantificationRed-TeamingJailbreak EvaluationAgentic AI Evaluation

Soft Skills

CollaborationCommunicationStakeholder Engagement

Tools & Technologies

Research CodeSimulationsEvaluation Tools

Industry Keywords

AI AssuranceRisk ManagementInsuranceFinanceRegulation

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Conduct high-quality research on AI risk, algorithmic assurance and insurance
Develop mathematical, statistical or computational methods for evaluating, pricing and monitoring AI-related risks
Work on relevant areas including risk measures, systemic risk, conformal prediction, stochastic/Bayesian optimisation, reinforcement learning, AI security, red-teaming, jailbreak evaluation or agentic AI evaluation
Build reproducible research code, simulations, benchmarks or evaluation tools where appropriate
Publish research in leading peer-reviewed journals and conferences
Present findings at academic conferences, industry workshops and project meetings
Collaborate with researchers at the Universities of Edinburgh, Oxford and Warwick, and with AXA
Contribute to the broader AI² research agenda
Support workshops, reports, grant development and stakeholder engagement in insurance, finance, AI assurance and regulation

Requirements

What you’ll need

Strong expertise in at least one relevant research area, including risk measures, systemic risk, conformal prediction, uncertainty quantification, stochastic and Bayesian optimisation, reinforcement learning, AI security, red-teaming, jailbreak evaluation or agentic AI evaluation
Interest in developing methods applicable to AI assurance, risk management and insurance
CV including publications and, where relevant, links to software or code repositories
Supporting statement explaining how the applicant meets the selection criteria
Research statement of no more than two pages
At least two references
Right to work in the UK, or eligibility for employment sponsorship
Postdoctoral-level research background is implied by the role title, but no explicit educational credential requirement is stated

Benefits

Comp & perks

Generous annual leave entitlement
Defined benefits pension scheme
Wide range of staff discounts
Family-friendly initiatives
Flexible work options
Hybrid working options combining remote and regular on-campus working
Competitive salary