The Synthetic Society Lab invites applications from enthusiastic and motivated candidates for a postdoctoral positions working on cutting-edge research at the intersection of Machine Learning, Privacy-Enhancing Technologies, and Public Interest Technology.

We are looking for a candidate interested in developing their own research questions in alignment with the interests and skills present in the research team. We are particularly interested in investigating how modern privacy-enhancing technologies (e.g. based upon synthetic data or using formal differential privacy guarantees) impact research integrity and reproducibility. This is an exciting line of research with potential to not only improve how researchers access crucial sensitive data around the world, but also build tools for them to understand if the anonymised data they receive is “good enough” to conduct rigorous research.

This is a full-time, fixed-term position for 36 months or up to the funding end date of 30 September 2028. The appointment is expected to start in October 2025 with the successful candidate being based in Oxford as normal place of work, with the possibility of some hybrid work within the UK only.

If you are eager to contribute to groundbreaking research, and have the skills and experience we are looking for, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. You will be required to upload a supporting statement, setting out how you meet the selection criteria, curriculum vitae and the names and contact details of two referees as part of your online application. We welcome candidates interested in not only producing academic research but also engaging with civil society communities, policy organisations, and public bodies.  We are looking for candidates able to conduct critical evidence-based investigations into AI and privacy technologies, and will work to train, support, and nurture the right candidate.

The selected candidate will be provided significant resources, including generous opportunities for international training and conference attendance, IT equipment, as well as access to the group dedicated computing cluster environment with H100, L40s, and A40 GPUs. This post is funded by the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship, a flexible long-term public funding scheme that provides autonomy and flexibility to focus on research that matters. There are opportunities to collaborate with partners providing unique fine-grained access to healthcare data, as well as colleagues in Machine Learning, Human-Computing Interactions, Social Sciences, and Public Health.

Applicants should hold, or be close to completion of, PhD/DPhil with research experience in computer science, statistics, applied mathematics, or related fields. The ideal candidate should be organised, highly motivated, creative, and interested to work as part as a collective. A strong track record of first-author publications is expected from applicants.

If you would like to discuss this role and the possibility of an informal visit, please contact Dr Luc Rocher at luc.rocher@oii.ox.ac.uk. Further details are also found in the Job Description provided.

Only online applications received before noon UK time on 17 July 2025 can be considered. Interviews are due to take place on or shortly after 31st July 2025.

Previous applicants need not apply.