Application Guide
How to Apply for AI Safety Research Scientist (ML focus)
at LawZero
🏢 About LawZero
LawZero appears to be a specialized AI safety organization focused on the 'Scientist AI agenda' - a specific research direction within AI safety that likely involves developing AI systems that can conduct scientific research safely. This company is unique because it's tackling concrete AI safety problems through technical ML research rather than just policy or theoretical work, making it ideal for researchers who want hands-on impact on mitigating AI risks.
About This Role
This role involves conducting original ML research to address core AI safety questions within the Scientist AI framework. You'll be designing novel algorithms and experiments to test safety solutions, while also helping shape the research agenda itself. This position is impactful because you'll be directly contributing to preventing catastrophic AI risks through technical research that informs broader safety strategies.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve designing ML experiments to test safety properties of AI systems, collaborating with team members to refine research questions for the Scientist AI agenda, implementing novel algorithms in PyTorch/TensorFlow, and discussing findings with colleagues from diverse technical backgrounds to ensure research aligns with broader safety goals.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who LawZero Is Looking For
- Has hands-on experience designing and implementing ML experiments specifically for AI safety problems, not just general ML applications
- Can articulate specific ideas about how ML techniques could address AGI safety challenges within the Scientist AI framework
- Demonstrates both deep technical ML expertise AND understanding of AI safety theory and research landscape
- Shows enthusiasm for collaborative research and ability to translate complex technical concepts for diverse team members
📝 Tips for Applying to LawZero
Explicitly mention the 'Scientist AI agenda' in your application materials and show you've thought about what it entails
Include concrete examples of ML experiments you've designed/run that relate to AI safety, not just general ML projects
Tailor your research statement to address how your work could contribute to the specific responsibilities listed (clarifying research questions, analyzing solutions, designing experiments)
Highlight any experience with PyTorch or TensorFlow in safety-relevant contexts, not just standard applications
Demonstrate you understand this isn't just another ML research role - emphasize your specific interest in AI safety and mitigating catastrophic risks
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your specific ideas about which AI safety research questions are most critical to the Scientist AI agenda', "Examples of how you've previously designed ML experiments to test complex problems (ideally safety-related)", 'Your understanding of how technical ML research fits into broader AI risk mitigation strategies', "Why you're particularly excited about LawZero's approach compared to other AI safety organizations"]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Try to understand what 'Scientist AI agenda' specifically refers to (look for any publications or talks by LawZero team members)
- → Research the team's background and previous work to understand their technical approach to AI safety
- → Look into Canada's AI safety research ecosystem and how LawZero might fit into it
- → Understand the company's apparent focus on hands-on ML research vs. theoretical safety work
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Treating this as just another ML research role without emphasizing AI safety specifically
- Focusing only on general ML expertise without connecting it to safety applications
- Being unable to discuss specific AI safety problems or the Scientist AI framework
- Presenting generic research interests rather than tailored ideas for this specific role
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!