Application Guide

How to Apply for AI Partner

at Convergent Research

🏢 About Convergent Research

Convergent Research is unique in its mission to fill a structural gap in the R&D system by launching large-scale, high-impact science projects that require unusual coordination and scale but are not rapidly monetizable. Working here means contributing to a portfolio of research organizations that tackle fundamental challenges, with a focus on AI resilience and defensive capabilities. You'll be part of a team that is shaping the future of science and technology for public good.

About This Role

As an AI Partner, you will build and manage a portfolio of research organizations focused on AI resilience, identifying bottlenecks, sourcing and diligence ideas, and founding teams. You'll serve on multiple boards, coach founders, and represent Convergent to funders. This role is impactful because it directly shapes the landscape of AI safety and defense, addressing advanced AI risks that are critical to society.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a call with a founder of one of your portfolio organizations, discussing their technical roadmap or fundraising strategy. You might then spend time researching the AI resilience landscape, identifying new bottlenecks, and reaching out to potential founders or funders. Afternoons could involve board meetings or preparing for a presentation to philanthropic partners, ensuring your portfolio aligns with Convergent's mission.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Convergent Research Is Looking For

  • Deep AI expertise: A strong technical background in AI, with an understanding of current capabilities, risks, and defensive strategies.
  • Startup or venture experience: Proven track record in founding, scaling, or investing in startups, with experience in team building and fundraising.
  • Fundraising track record: Demonstrated ability to secure capital from philanthropic or public funders, with a network in the field.
  • Strong networks: Existing connections with researchers, founders, and funders in the AI safety and resilience space.
  • Strategic and operational skills: Ability to roadmap complex landscapes, design funding calls, and provide hands-on coaching to founders.

📝 Tips for Applying to Convergent Research

1

Highlight specific examples of your experience in building or scaling research organizations, not just startups.

2

Showcase your understanding of AI resilience and defensive capabilities, referencing key papers, initiatives, or organizations in the field.

3

Demonstrate your fundraising success with concrete numbers and stories, especially with philanthropic or public funders.

4

Mention any board experience or advisory roles where you've influenced technical roadmaps and operations.

5

Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your network and how you can leverage it to source and diligence ideas.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your passion for AI safety and resilience, and why you want to dedicate your career to this mission.', "Specific examples of how you've built teams and organizations from scratch, highlighting your role as a founder or early employee.", 'Your fundraising acumen, with examples of securing significant funding for high-risk, high-impact projects.', 'Your strategic vision for the AI resilience landscape and how you would identify bottlenecks and design funding calls.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read about Convergent Research's past projects and their approach to launching research organizations.
  • → Explore the AI resilience landscape: key organizations like the Center for AI Safety, Anthropic, and OpenAI's safety teams, and recent publications on AI risks.
  • → Look into the backgrounds of current Convergent Research leadership and team members to understand their expertise and network.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the philanthropic funding ecosystem for AI safety, including major donors and initiatives.
Visit Convergent Research's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How do you stay updated on the latest developments in AI safety and resilience?
2 Walk me through a time you identified a bottleneck in a complex field and designed a solution.
3 Describe your experience founding or building a team. What were the biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?
4 How would you approach a conversation with a potential philanthropic funder to secure capital for a new AI resilience organization?
5 What is your view on the most critical technical challenges in AI resilience today, and what types of organizations would you prioritize building?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't focus solely on commercial startups; emphasize research-oriented and mission-driven projects.
  • Avoid being vague about your AI expertise; be ready to discuss technical details and your hands-on experience.
  • Don't underestimate the importance of fundraising; provide concrete examples of your success and your network.

📅 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!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Convergent Research!

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