How to apply for Alignment Research Manager

About AE Studio

AE Studio is a boutique software development firm that focuses on high-impact projects, including AI safety. Working here means collaborating with a tight-knit team of engineers and researchers who are deeply committed to building beneficial AI. The remote-first culture and direct involvement in cutting-edge alignment research make it a unique opportunity for those passionate about AI safety.

About the role

As an Alignment Research Manager, you will be the bridge between researchers, engineers, and funders, turning abstract safety concepts into actionable roadmaps. Your work directly accelerates progress in AI alignment by ensuring that technical teams stay focused and unblocked. This role is critical for translating high-stakes research into real-world impact.

A typical day

Your day might start with a stand-up meeting with researchers to identify any blockers, then shift to reviewing a roadmap with a funder. After lunch, you could facilitate a cross-team discussion to align on milestones, and end the day by writing a progress update for leadership. The role is dynamic, balancing deep technical conversations with strategic planning.

Who AE Studio is looking for

• Has 3+ years managing technical research projects, specifically in AI safety, machine learning, or a related field.
• Excels at breaking down ambiguous problems into clear, measurable milestones and prioritizes high-impact directions.
• Demonstrates fluency in both technical and non-technical communication, able to translate between researchers, engineers, and funders.
• Proactively identifies blockers and implements solutions to keep teams moving fast, with a track record of driving execution in complex projects.

Tips for this application

• Tailor your resume to highlight project management in AI safety or alignment research, not just generic tech PM roles.
• In your cover letter, provide a concrete example of turning an ambiguous research idea into a structured roadmap with milestones.
• Mention any experience with funder reporting or stakeholder management in high-stakes, long-term research projects.
• Showcase your ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical audiences, e.g., through writing samples or presentation decks.
• Research AE Studio's past projects (e.g., their work on interpretability or RLHF) and reference them in your application to show genuine interest.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Emphasize your experience managing AI safety research projects and your understanding of alignment challenges.', 'Highlight your skill in breaking down complex, ambiguous problems into actionable plans and milestones.', "Demonstrate your communication fluency by describing how you've bridged gaps between technical and non-technical stakeholders.", 'Show your commitment to high-impact work and your ability to keep teams unblocked and moving fast.']

Research before applying

• Read AE Studio's blog posts and case studies on AI safety projects, such as their work on interpretability and value alignment.
• Understand the company's client base and the types of alignment problems they typically tackle (e.g., RLHF, reward modeling).
• Familiarize yourself with key figures in AI safety that AE Studio collaborates with or references in their work.
• Review the company's remote work culture and any tools they use for project management and communication.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How do you prioritize research directions when faced with high uncertainty and multiple competing approaches?
• Describe a time you had to unblock a research team that was stuck on a technical or conceptual issue.
• How would you communicate progress on a complex alignment project to a funder who is not technically trained?
• What metrics do you use to measure success in a research project where outcomes are not immediately measurable?
• Tell us about a time you managed a project that involved both engineers and researchers with conflicting priorities.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Applying with a generic project management resume that doesn't highlight AI safety or research experience.
• Focusing only on technical skills without demonstrating ability to manage ambiguity and communicate across teams.
• Not showing genuine interest in AI alignment; avoid treating this as just another PM role without understanding the mission.