Application Guide

How to Apply for AI Security Guide, Course

at University of Chicago, Existential Risk Laboratory

🏢 About University of Chicago, Existential Risk Laboratory

The University of Chicago's Existential Risk Laboratory (XRL) is a unique interdisciplinary research organization dedicated to analyzing and mitigating risks that threaten human civilization's long-term survival. Working here means contributing to cutting-edge AI safety research with a focus on existential risks, alongside leading experts in the field.

About This Role

This role involves teaching AI security research by guiding learners through hands-on sections on adversarial examples, jailbreaking, model tampering, and data poisoning. You'll create and deliver educational content that helps identify vulnerabilities in current AI safety techniques, directly impacting the development of more robust AI systems.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reviewing and updating course materials for the AI security guide, creating new Colab notebooks with hands-on exercises on jailbreaking or data poisoning, and responding to learner questions on forums. You might also collaborate with other XRL researchers to ensure the course content reflects the latest vulnerabilities and defenses, and spend time researching new attack vectors to keep the curriculum current.

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🎯 Who University of Chicago, Existential Risk Laboratory Is Looking For

  • Has deep expertise in AI security, specifically adversarial examples, jailbreaking, model tampering, and data poisoning, with practical experience implementing attacks and defenses.
  • Demonstrated experience developing and delivering educational content or courses, preferably in a technical or academic setting.
  • Proficient in Python and comfortable using Google Colab or similar environments for hands-on coding exercises.
  • Strong understanding of current AI safety research and vulnerabilities, with the ability to explain complex concepts clearly to learners.

📝 Tips for Applying to University of Chicago, Existential Risk Laboratory

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific projects or research in adversarial ML, jailbreaking, or data poisoning—include links to code repositories or published work.

2

In your cover letter, mention your teaching philosophy and provide an example of how you've made complex AI security topics accessible to learners.

3

Showcase your experience with Google Colab by including a link to a notebook that demonstrates a relevant attack or defense.

4

Research XRL's current projects and publications (e.g., on existential risks) and reference them in your application to show genuine interest.

5

Since the role is remote and contract-based, emphasize your ability to work independently and manage your time effectively.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your expertise in AI security and specific examples of attacks/defenses you've worked on.", 'Your experience in teaching or creating educational content, especially hands-on coding exercises.', "Your alignment with XRL's mission to mitigate existential risks from AI, and how this course contributes to that goal.", 'Your ability to adapt content for learners with varying backgrounds, making complex topics accessible.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review XRL's published papers and reports on existential risks, especially those related to AI safety and security.
  • → Explore the current course offerings and teaching materials on the XRL website to understand their pedagogical approach.
  • → Look into the background of key researchers at XRL, such as the lab director, to understand their research interests.
  • → Read recent news or blog posts about AI security challenges and how they relate to existential risks to frame your application.
Visit University of Chicago, Existential Risk Laboratory's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk us through how you would design a hands-on exercise for teaching adversarial examples to beginners.
2 Describe a recent vulnerability in AI safety techniques you've studied and how you would explain it to learners.
3 How do you ensure your course content stays up-to-date with rapidly evolving AI security research?
4 What challenges have you faced in teaching technical topics, and how did you overcome them?
5 How would you assess learners' understanding and provide feedback in a remote, self-paced course?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application that doesn't reference XRL's specific focus on existential risks—tailor every part to their mission.
  • Overlooking the need to demonstrate both technical depth and teaching ability; balance your application with examples of both.
  • Focusing only on theoretical knowledge without showing practical, hands-on experience with tools like Python and Colab.

📅 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 University of Chicago, Existential Risk Laboratory!

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