fellowships

CHAI Research Fellowship 2026 — Fully Funded

The CHAI Research Fellowship is a fully funded opportunity for postdoctoral researchers to work on developing safe and reliable human-compatible AI systems. Fellows will collaborate with CHAI faculty and have the freedom to pursue novel research projects.

funding: Fully funded — salary on UC Berkeley scale + visa sponsorship
location: Berkeley, California, USA
host: Center for Human-Compatible AI (CHAI), UC Berkeley
duration: 2 years, renewable up to 3
source-url: https://www.globalsouthopportunities.com/2026/06/08/chai-6/
apply-url: https://humancompatible.ai/jobs

The Center for Human-Compatible AI (CHAI) at UC Berkeley offers a research fellowship for postdoctoral researchers committed to developing human-compatible AI systems. The fellowship provides funding for up to 3 years, with a salary commensurate with qualifications on the UC Berkeley salary scale. Fellows will work with renowned faculty, including Stuart Russell, Pieter Abbeel, and Anca Dragan.

Overview

The CHAI Research Fellowship focuses on developing safe, reliable, human-compatible AI systems, covering research areas such as AI alignment, machine learning, decision-making systems, and robotics. Fellows have considerable freedom to pursue novel research projects, utilizing tools from probability theory, game theory, and control theory.

  • Affiliation with CHAI faculty and collaboration with CHAI affiliate faculty at Berkeley and other institutions
  • Freedom to pursue novel research projects in AI alignment, machine learning, and human-compatible AI
  • Utilization of tools from probability theory, game theory, and control theory

Eligibility

Candidates must have, or be about to obtain, a PhD in a relevant technical discipline such as computer science, statistics, mathematics, or theoretical economics. They must also have a record of high-quality published research.

  • PhD in computer science, statistics, mathematics, or theoretical economics
  • Record of high-quality published research

Funding & Benefits

  • Fully funded for 2 years, renewable up to 3 years given satisfactory performance
  • Salary commensurate with qualifications on the UC Berkeley salary scale
  • Visa sponsorship and contribution to visa costs for fellows and their dependents

How to Apply

Applicants must submit their application via a form, including a resume, a one-page statement of interest, and the names and email addresses of two academic referees.

  • Submit a resume
  • Provide a one-page statement of interest describing the research to be undertaken at CHAI
  • Include the names and email addresses of two academic referees

Why This Matters

The CHAI Research Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for postdoctoral researchers to work with renowned faculty and contribute to the development of human-compatible AI systems. The fellowship's focus on AI alignment, machine learning, and decision-making systems reflects the growing importance of these areas in the field of AI research.

With its fully funded and renewable nature, the fellowship provides a stable and supportive environment for fellows to pursue novel research projects, making it an attractive opportunity for those committed to advancing human-compatible AI.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the CHAI Research Fellowship?

The fellowship provides funding for 2 years, renewable up to 3 years given satisfactory performance.

What is the required educational background for applicants?

Applicants must have, or be about to obtain, a PhD in a relevant technical discipline such as computer science, statistics, mathematics, or theoretical economics.

What research areas are covered by the fellowship?

The fellowship covers research areas such as AI alignment, machine learning, decision-making systems, robotics, multi-agent systems, and the philosophical foundations of human-compatible AI.

Are international applicants eligible for the fellowship?

Yes, the position is eligible for visa sponsorship, and CHAI contributes to visa costs for fellows and their dependents.

What is the application process for the fellowship?

Applicants must submit their application via a form, including a resume, a one-page statement of interest, and the names and email addresses of two academic referees.

What kind of support can fellows expect from CHAI faculty?

Fellows will have the opportunity to work with renowned CHAI faculty, including Stuart Russell, Pieter Abbeel, and Anca Dragan, and collaborate with CHAI affiliate faculty at Berkeley and other institutions.