Application Guide

How to Apply for Contractor, Supervised Program for Alignment Research

at Kairos

🏢 About Kairos

Kairos is a unique AI safety fieldbuilding organization focused specifically on talent development to mitigate risks from advanced AI. Unlike general AI companies, Kairos concentrates on filling critical talent gaps in the AI safety ecosystem through programs like SPAR. Working here offers direct impact on shaping the next generation of AI safety researchers in a mission-driven environment.

About This Role

This contractor role involves scaling SPAR's operational capacity to support 300+ AI safety researchers through workshop coordination, one-on-one mentoring, and event management. You'll directly impact AI safety fieldbuilding by connecting researchers with opportunities and creating practical resources. The role combines community management, logistical coordination, and program development in a remote, global setting.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve coordinating with SPAR fellows across time zones to schedule technical workshops, developing materials for an upcoming Demo Day, and conducting one-on-one check-ins with researchers to connect them with relevant opportunities. You'd likely spend time collating resources into practical guides while managing logistics for community events, all while working remotely with a globally distributed team.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Kairos Is Looking For

  • Experience coordinating technical workshops or research programs, particularly in AI/ML or adjacent technical fields
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple stakeholders (researchers, judges, participants) in remote settings
  • Strong organizational skills for event logistics and resource collation, with attention to detail for materials development
  • Proactive communication style suitable for one-on-one mentoring and community facilitation across time zones

📝 Tips for Applying to Kairos

1

Highlight specific experience with AI safety or technical research communities, even if informal (e.g., organizing reading groups, participating in AI safety forums)

2

Demonstrate understanding of SPAR's mission by referencing specific Kairos programs or their approach to talent development in your application

3

Provide concrete examples of scaling operational processes for communities or programs of similar size (300+ participants)

4

Show remote coordination experience with global teams, including tools and methods for asynchronous collaboration

5

Include metrics or outcomes from past event organization or workshop facilitation, especially for technical audiences

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience with AI safety communities or technical research programs', 'Examples of successfully scaling operational capacity for similar-sized programs or communities', 'Approach to remote, global coordination and asynchronous communication', "Understanding of Kairos's unique fieldbuilding approach versus general AI safety work"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review SPAR's current programming and past Demo Days on Kairos's website or related announcements
  • → Understand Kairos's specific fieldbuilding model versus other AI safety organizations (like Redwood Research or CHAI)
  • → Explore the AI safety research community landscape to understand participant needs (e.g., LessWrong, Alignment Forum)
  • → Research Kairos's team background and their stated talent gap priorities in recent publications or talks
Visit Kairos's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you coordinate a technical workshop for AI safety researchers across multiple time zones?
2 Describe your approach to assessing program impact through one-on-one meetings with participants
3 What strategies would you use to source qualified judges for SPAR's Demo Day?
4 How would you create practical guides that balance research best practices with career development needs?
5 What metrics would you track to demonstrate SPAR's operational scaling success?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Generic applications that don't reference AI safety or Kairos's specific fieldbuilding approach
  • Overemphasis on AI technical skills without demonstrating community coordination or program management experience
  • Failing to address remote, global work challenges and asynchronous communication strategies

📅 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 Kairos!

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