Chalmers University of Technology | Two Postdoctoral Fellowships on Theoretical Foundations of AI Safety

Do you want to contribute to set the theoretical foundation of AI alignment? This is an exciting opportunity for a postdoctoral position at Chalmers University of Technology, focused on innovative research in AI safety from the theoretical perspective. The project will be in close collaborations with University College London where additional Postdocs are hired to work on the problem.

About us

You will join the research group led by Dr. Stefano Sarao Mannelli at Chalmers University of Technology and Gothenburg University in Gothenburg, Sweden. The position is part of a larger with Prof. Andrew Saxe at University College London (UCL). You will also benefit from engagement with industrial advisors from leading AI labs (including Anthropic, Meta, and Google DeepMind/Mila), ensuring the research remains relevant to frontier systems.

In Gothenburg you will be part of the division of Data Science and AI, within the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, a joint department of Chalmers and the University of Gothenburg, spans the breadth of computing disciplines.

About the research project 

The project, “Theoretical Model Organisms of Misalignment” - funded by a grant from OpenAI’s Alignment Team, awarded by the UK AI Security Institute, through the Alignment Project - aims to transform AI alignment from reactive trial-and-error into a predictive science. Instead of viewing alignment as a static property, we treat it as path-dependent: a product of the learning dynamics emerging from data, architecture, and algorithms. We use tools from statistical physics and high-dimensional probability to build tractable “model organisms” that capture the root causes of misalignment, allowing us to derive quantitative laws for when and why harmful capabilities arise.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking researchers who aim to understand deep learning in depth, not willing to compromise for shallow solutions.

The following requirements are mandatory:

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree in Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or Machine Learning. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
• Strong background in mathematical modelling and analysis
• Proficiency in programming for empirical validation.

You are expected to be somewhat accustomed to teaching, and to demonstrate good potential within research and education.

The following will strengthen your application:

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline
• Experience with Statistical Physics of Disordered Systems (e.g., Replica Theory, Dynamical Mean-Field Theory)
• Familiarity with Control Theory or High-Dimensional Probability
• Previous work on teacher-student models, deep linear networks, or similar theoretical frameworks

What you will do

• You will focus on inductive bias, fine-tuning, and the design of mitigation strategies
• You will use theoretical models to derive quantitative laws of alignment, and validate them empirically.
• You are expected to attend conferences and events related to the project and engage regularly with the team at UCL.
• Additionally, you will dedicate 20% of your time to teaching, which may include lecturing, TAing, or supervising students.

The position is meritorious for future roles in academia, industry, or the public sector.

Contract terms

The position is a temporary full-time employment for two years with the possibility of a one-year extension, funded by a grant from OpenAI’s Alignment Team, awarded by the UK AI Security Institute, through the Alignment Project.

The position requires physical presence throughout the entire employment. A valid residence permit must be presented by the start date, otherwise the offer may be withdrawn.

What we offer

• As a postdoc at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about  working at Chalmers  and our benefits  for employees.
• A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.
• Read more about Sweden’s generous parental leave, subsidised day care, free schools, healthcare etc at Move To Gothenburg.

Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence. We celebrate diversity and consider equality and inclusion as fundamental aspects of all our activities.

If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in.

Application procedure

The application should be written in English be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV

• A comprehensive CV, including a complete list of publications.
• Include the names, positions, and affiliations of 3 references. They will be contacted after the initial screening phase.

Personal letter

• A brief introduction about yourself.
• A summary of your previous research fields and key research outcomes.
• An outline of your future goals and research focus.
• An explanation of what attracts you to the position and how your experience can contribute to the project.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. 

Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered. Contact details for references will be requested after the interview.

We welcome your application no later than April 1st

Contact

Stefano Sarao Mannelli, Assistant Professor

s.saraomannelli@chalmers.se

Application and more details: https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/work-with-us/vacancies/?rmpage=job&rmjob=14603&rmlang=UK