Application Guide

How to Apply for Compute Administrator

at ML Alignment & Theory Scholars (MATS)

🏢 About ML Alignment & Theory Scholars (MATS)

MATS Research is uniquely focused on addressing the critical talent bottleneck in AI safety and security by identifying and training exceptional individuals. Unlike typical tech companies, MATS specifically targets AI alignment, interpretability, governance, and security research, making it a mission-driven organization for those passionate about reducing existential risks from advanced AI. Working here means contributing directly to shaping the future of safe AI development alongside leading researchers in the field.

About This Role

As a Compute Administrator at MATS, you'll build and manage the essential research infrastructure that enables AI safety fellows and mentors to conduct groundbreaking work. This role involves hands-on management of GPU clusters, API platforms, and cloud systems while collaborating directly with researchers to optimize their workflows. Your work directly impacts the organization's ability to scale its training programs and advance critical AI safety research.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves monitoring GPU cluster performance, responding to researcher requests for compute resources, troubleshooting technical issues with research workflows, and collaborating with the team to improve internal tooling. You might review budget allocations for different research projects, implement access controls for new fellows, and proactively optimize systems to ensure reliable compute for critical AI safety experiments.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who ML Alignment & Theory Scholars (MATS) Is Looking For

  • Has experience managing GPU clusters and cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, or Azure) specifically for machine learning research workloads
  • Demonstrates strong collaboration skills with technical researchers, able to translate research needs into reliable infrastructure solutions
  • Possesses expertise in budget administration and access controls for secure, scalable compute systems in research environments
  • Is proactive in monitoring systems and troubleshooting technical issues while maintaining excellent documentation practices

📝 Tips for Applying to ML Alignment & Theory Scholars (MATS)

1

Highlight specific experience with GPU cluster management for AI/ML research, not just general cloud administration

2

Demonstrate understanding of AI safety research workflows and how compute infrastructure supports them

3

Show examples of collaborating with researchers to improve their technical workflows or tooling

4

Emphasize experience with budget management for research compute resources

5

Reference MATS's mission in your application materials to show alignment with their AI safety focus

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your experience building and operating compute infrastructure specifically for AI/ML research environments', 'Examples of successful collaboration with researchers to troubleshoot issues and improve their workflows', "How you've managed budgets and access controls for secure, scalable research compute systems", "Why you're personally motivated by MATS's mission to reduce AI risks through talent development"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → MATS's specific AI safety research areas (alignment, interpretability, governance, security)
  • → The organization's training programs and fellowship structure for AI safety researchers
  • → Current AI safety research projects or publications from MATS-affiliated researchers
  • → The compute needs and challenges specific to AI safety research versus general ML research

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe your experience managing GPU clusters for machine learning workloads and optimizing performance
2 How would you handle a researcher's urgent compute request that exceeds current budget allocations?
3 What security practices would you implement for a multi-user research compute environment?
4 How have you improved internal tooling or workflows for technical users in previous roles?
5 What monitoring and alerting systems have you implemented for research compute infrastructure?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on general cloud administration without highlighting ML/AI-specific compute experience
  • Treating this as just another sysadmin role without showing understanding of research workflows
  • Failing to demonstrate alignment with MATS's mission of reducing AI risks through talent development

📅 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!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to ML Alignment & Theory Scholars (MATS)!

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