Application Guide

How to Apply for Agentic AI Risk Modelling and Mitigations

at AI Security Institute (AISI)

🏢 About AI Security Institute (AISI)

The AI Security Institute (AISI) is the world's largest and best-funded organization dedicated exclusively to understanding and mitigating advanced AI risks. What makes AISI unique is its direct line to the UK Prime Minister's office and its dual role in both conducting cutting-edge research and translating findings into actionable government policy. Working here means your research directly influences national security decisions and global AI governance frameworks.

About This Role

This role involves developing rigorous threat models specifically focused on how agentic AI systems could cause harm, with emphasis on practical mitigations the UK government can implement. You'll bridge technical research and policy by translating complex AI safety concepts into actionable recommendations for government partners. Your work will directly shape the UK's approach to AI security and potentially influence global standards.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve analyzing empirical data from AISI's AI evaluations to identify emerging agentic risks, then developing detailed threat models that consider both technical vulnerabilities and real-world harm pathways. You'd collaborate with government partners to refine mitigations that align with UK capabilities, and prepare clear briefings that translate complex findings into actionable policy recommendations for decision-makers.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who AI Security Institute (AISI) Is Looking For

  • Has published research or substantial written analysis demonstrating rigorous reasoning about complex, uncertain topics in AI safety, cybersecurity, or national security
  • Possesses experience creating detailed threat models, risk analyses, or safety cases with a structured analytical approach
  • Can communicate complex technical arguments clearly to both technical researchers and policy decision-makers
  • Has practical experience with hands-on ML or cybersecurity work that could inform mitigation development

📝 Tips for Applying to AI Security Institute (AISI)

1

Highlight specific examples where you've translated technical AI/cybersecurity concepts into actionable policy recommendations or mitigations

2

Demonstrate your understanding of UK government structures and how they might implement AI safety measures (mention specific departments like DSIT or NCSC)

3

Include writing samples that show your ability to reason carefully about uncertain scenarios - ideally published research or substantial analytical reports

4

Emphasize any experience collaborating with government entities or working at the intersection of technology and policy

5

Tailor your examples to agentic AI specifically, not just general AI safety - show you understand the unique risks of autonomous AI systems

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your experience with structured analytical frameworks for threat modeling in AI safety or cybersecurity contexts', 'Specific examples of translating technical research into practical policy recommendations or mitigations', 'Understanding of UK government capabilities and constraints in implementing AI safety measures', 'Ability to communicate complex topics to both technical and non-technical audiences']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → AISI's published evaluations and research papers to understand their methodological approach
  • → UK government's AI safety initiatives and existing frameworks (like the AI Safety Institute's evaluations)
  • → Recent UK policy documents on AI governance and national security strategy
  • → Specific agentic AI risks discussed in recent AI safety literature (particularly autonomous systems risks)

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk us through how you would develop a threat model for a specific agentic AI scenario relevant to UK national security
2 How would you design a mitigation that the UK government could practically implement, considering their existing capabilities?
3 Discuss a time you had to communicate complex technical risks to non-technical decision-makers
4 What empirical evidence from cybersecurity or ML literature would you draw on to support your risk assessments?
5 How would you collaborate with both frontier AI developers and government partners simultaneously on a mitigation project?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on theoretical AI safety without connecting to practical government implementation
  • Presenting generic AI risk analysis without specific consideration of agentic systems
  • Failing to demonstrate understanding of UK government structures and policy processes
  • Overemphasizing technical skills without showing policy translation ability

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

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Good luck with your application to AI Security Institute (AISI)!

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