Application Guide
How to Apply for Biosecurity and AI Safety Fellowship
at 10a Labs
🏢 About 10a Labs
10a Labs is a specialized firm providing adversarial red teaming, model evaluations, and intelligence collection to companies deploying AI systems. Working here means contributing to the safety and security of AI applications, with a focus on mitigating biological risks. It's a unique opportunity to apply your biology expertise directly to the frontier of AI safety.
About This Role
As a Biosecurity and AI Safety Fellow, you will review biological content to identify dual-use risks and biosecurity concerns, supporting AI safety monitoring systems. Your work will involve labeling biological exchanges and evaluating complex technical content to distinguish legitimate research from potentially harmful applications. This role is impactful because it directly helps prevent the misuse of AI in the biological domain.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve reviewing a set of biological exchanges or research snippets, evaluating them against biosecurity policies, and labeling them accordingly. You would also participate in discussions with the team to refine guidelines and ensure consistency. The work is remote, allowing for flexible hours within the 20-40 hour weekly commitment.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who 10a Labs Is Looking For
- Strong background in biology, virology, microbiology, or synthetic biology, with a degree or equivalent professional experience.
- Deep understanding of biosecurity and biodefense principles, including dual-use research of concern (DURC).
- Ability to analyze complex technical content and make nuanced judgments about potential risks.
- Commitment to the project's time requirements: 20-40 hours per week for 4-8 weeks, with remote availability.
📝 Tips for Applying to 10a Labs
Highlight any specific experience with biosecurity policies, such as working with DURC guidelines or biodefense initiatives.
Provide concrete examples of your ability to evaluate biological research for dual-use potential, perhaps from past projects or roles.
Emphasize your familiarity with AI safety concepts or collaborations with AI researchers, even if informal.
Tailor your resume to showcase your ability to work independently and meet deadlines, given the remote contract nature.
In your cover letter, mention why you are passionate about the intersection of biology and AI safety, and how your background is uniquely suited for this role.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your deep expertise in biology, especially in areas like virology or synthetic biology, and how it applies to evaluating dual-use risks.', 'Your knowledge of biosecurity frameworks and your ability to apply them to real-world scenarios.', 'Your capacity for critical thinking and making nuanced judgments about complex technical content.', 'Your availability and commitment to the project timeline, demonstrating reliability and dedication.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore 10a Labs' website and any public materials to understand their approach to red teaming and AI safety.
- → Look into recent publications or talks by the founders or team members on biosecurity and AI safety.
- → Research the current landscape of AI safety and biosecurity, including initiatives like the Biorisk AI Challenge or similar.
- → Familiarize yourself with common AI safety evaluation frameworks and how they incorporate domain-specific risks.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Underestimating the importance of strict adherence to policies and guidelines; this role requires meticulous attention to detail.
- Applying without demonstrating a clear understanding of dual-use risks and biosecurity principles.
- Not addressing the time commitment explicitly; the role requires a significant weekly hour commitment, so be upfront about your availability.
📅 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!