Application Guide

How to Apply for AI Policy Fellowship, Research Track

at Institute for AI Policy and Strategy

🏢 About Institute for AI Policy and Strategy

The Institute for AI Policy and Strategy (IAPS) is a nonprofit dedicated to reducing risks from frontier AI systems through rigorous research that informs policy. It uniquely bridges technical AI expertise and policy-making, offering a chance to work at the cutting edge of AI governance with a mission-driven team.

About This Role

This fellowship offers a structured, mentorship-driven research experience where you'll scope, analyze, and publish original policy research. You'll gain hands-on skills in translating complex AI issues into actionable policy recommendations, contributing directly to IAPS's mission of shaping AI policy.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reading recent AI policy papers, drafting sections of your research report, and meeting with your supervisor for feedback. You might also attend virtual seminars with other fellows or collaborate with colleagues on shared resources, with flexibility to set your own schedule.

🚀 Application Tools

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🎯 Who Institute for AI Policy and Strategy Is Looking For

  • Proven research experience, ideally with a portfolio of academic or policy-oriented writing that demonstrates analytical rigor.
  • Ability to independently scope and manage a research project from inception to publication, with strong project management skills.
  • Excellent writing ability tailored to policy audiences, with clarity and persuasiveness in presenting evidence-based conclusions.
  • Strong interest in AI policy and frontier AI risks, with a foundational understanding of AI technologies or a demonstrated capacity to learn quickly.

📝 Tips for Applying to Institute for AI Policy and Strategy

1

Tailor your writing samples to AI policy or closely related fields, ensuring they show your ability to synthesize research for a policy audience.

2

In your cover letter, propose a potential research question you'd like to explore, showing you've thought deeply about IAPS's focus areas.

3

Highlight any experience with evidence-based analysis, such as literature reviews, data analysis, or policy briefs.

4

Research IAPS's published reports and mention specific ones that influenced your thinking in your application.

5

Since the role is remote, emphasize your ability to work independently and communicate effectively in a virtual team setting.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your genuine passion for reducing AI risks and how this fellowship aligns with your career goals.', 'Specific examples of your research skills, such as managing a complex project or producing a publishable output.', 'Your understanding of the policy landscape around AI and where you see gaps that IAPS could address.', "Why you're a good fit for a fellowship format, emphasizing your ability to take feedback and iterate on research."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read IAPS's mission statement and recent publications to understand their research priorities and style.
  • → Look into the backgrounds of current fellows and supervisors to see the types of projects they've worked on.
  • → Familiarize yourself with key debates in AI policy, such as AI regulation, responsible scaling, or international governance.
  • → Check if IAPS has any specific research agendas or calls for papers that might hint at current gaps.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach scoping a research question on a frontier AI risk topic?
2 Describe a time you had to adapt your research based on feedback from a supervisor or peer.
3 What are the most pressing AI policy issues in your view, and why?
4 How do you ensure your writing is accessible to policymakers without oversimplifying?
5 How would you manage your time and deliverables over several months of a remote fellowship?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting generic application materials that don't reference IAPS or the specific fellowship details.
  • Overemphasizing technical AI knowledge without demonstrating policy research or writing skills.
  • Failing to provide concrete examples of your research process or outcomes in your application.

📅 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 Institute for AI Policy and Strategy!

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