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Oxford-UBS Centre for Applied AI: Call for Expressions of Interest

About the Oxford-UBS Centre for Applied AI

Designed as an interdisciplinary hub for applied AI research at the University of Oxford, the Centre represents a unique partnership with UBS as a joint initiative between the Säid Business School (SBS) and the Mathematics, Physical and Life Sciences Division (MPLS). The Centre will be directed by Professors Ansgar Walther and Alison Noble.

The Centre aims ‘to advance responsible AI innovation through interdisciplinary research, collaborative partnerships, and transformative solutions’. Supported by a generous sponsorship from UBS, the Centre’s operational funding will amount to £10m for the first five years, with the explicit intention to renew or extend that commitment for a further five years from 2030.

In order to focus research efforts, three themes or workstreams have been identified and agreed with UBS, SBS and MPLS:

  • AI and Society, including responsible AI use and innovation; ethics, governance, and compliance to generate long-term value
  • AI for Business and Economy, which will consider product innovation; imagining and re-engineering improved processes using advanced AI; the sustainability of AI; and business sustainability through AI-enhanced processes
  • AI Futures, including hardware and software innovation, technology shifts, energy footprints and emerging AI topics as they arise

Each research theme will have two leads, who will further refine the scope of each theme and oversee research projects and personnel in their respective areas. The theme leads will be drawn from both SBS and MPLS. Research projects can be proposed by faculty from across the University, and the Centre may in future issue calls for proposals relevant to the Centre’s research agenda.

Oxford-UBS Centre for Applied AI Research theme leads

Duration: at least two years from May 2026

Key responsibilities:

  • Design and co-lead the research agenda for one of the three research themes and contribute to the development of the overarching research and engagement strategies for the Centre, working with the directors and other research theme leads
  • Establish and develop strong partnerships with relevant research teams at UBS and with SBS colleagues
  • Support the Director and Co-director in establishing the centre and recruiting the research teams
  • Represent the centre internally and externally at University and industry events as needed
  • Contribute to the centre’s research and supervise one or more of the researchers funded by the centre
  • Serve on the centre’s Steering Committee and liaise as necessary with SBS or other Oxford teams

Key benefits:

  • Help shape the strategic direction and research agenda of our flagship Centre on applied AI
  • Co-lead a high-performing, interdisciplinary team (at least one PDRA and one DPhil per theme lead) delivering cutting-edge research on a critical aspect of applied AI
  • Design and direct research projects with dedicated financial and operational support
  • Access industry perspectives and unique datasets through relationships with engaged and motivated industry research partners

Selection criteria:

  • Faculty member of one of the departments in the Mathematics, Physical and Life Sciences (MPLS) division
  • Solid track record of published research in relevant AI
  • Experience of leading interdisciplinary research projects,
  • Ability to manage complex research projects and maintaining schedules and deadlines
  • Capacity to dedicate the necessary time to the Centre and research programmes.
  • Strong communication skills, and the ability to forge partnerships across academia and industry
  • Evidence of and commitment to fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and ethically grounded research culture

How to apply

Please prepare an expression of interest (EoI) of no more than 600 words and a short CV (four pages max). Your statement should indicate which role(s) you are interested in (AI & Society lead, AI for Business & Economy lead, AI Futures lead) and outline how your experience qualifies you for the role.

We are keen to encourage interest from groups currently underrepresented in AI research.

Deadlines

Email your EoI to joanna.stoneham@mpls.ox.ac.uk no later than 12 noon on 15 April 2026.

For further information, please contact Joanna Stoneham, MPLS Head of Strategic Business and Partnerships, joanna.stoneham@mpls.ox.ac.uk