How to apply for Core-Team Generalist
Lightcone Infrastructure
About Lightcone Infrastructure
Lightcone Infrastructure is a unique nonprofit dedicated to building community infrastructure for safeguarding humanity's long-term future, with a strong tie to the LessWrong community. Working here means being part of a culturally thick, mission-driven team that values obsessive excellence and isn't afraid to tackle diverse challenges from programming to construction.
About the role
As a Core-Team Generalist, you'll be the glue that holds the organization together, adapting to shifting priorities every few weeks. Your work will span backend programming, design, event management, fundraising, and more, making you integral to the organization's agility and impact.
A typical day
Your day might start with a quick standup to align on the week's shifting priorities. You could spend the morning debugging a backend issue, then shift to designing a flyer for an upcoming event, and end the day drafting a fundraising proposal. The variety keeps things interesting, and you'll constantly be learning on the job.
Who Lightcone Infrastructure is looking for
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Tips for this application
- Highlight specific projects where you've worn multiple hats, especially in programming and operations.
- Demonstrate your familiarity with LessWrong and AI safety by referencing specific discussions or essays.
- Show you can thrive in ambiguity by sharing examples of adapting to rapid changes in your previous roles.
- Mention any experience with event management or community building, as this is a key part of the role.
- Tailor your application to emphasize your alignment with the organization's mission and culture, not just your skills.
What to cover in your cover letter
Emphasize your versatility and ability to handle diverse tasks, from coding to strategic projects. Highlight your deep understanding and passion for AI safety and the LessWrong community. Show concrete examples of how you've helped organizations adapt to changing priorities. Mention any experience with nonprofit operations or fundraising, as it's relevant to the role.
Draft a cover letterResearch before applying
- Read the LessWrong blog and understand the community's core values and ongoing discussions.
- Explore Lightcone Infrastructure's website to learn about their current projects and initiatives.
- Look into the backgrounds of the core team members to understand their working style.
- Stay updated on recent AI safety news and debates to show you're engaged with the field.
Likely interview topics
Based on the job description, expect questions about:
- How do you approach learning new skills quickly when thrown into an unfamiliar domain?
- Describe a time when you had to balance multiple projects with competing deadlines.
- What does 'obsessive excellence' mean to you, and how have you demonstrated it?
- How do you handle working in a culturally intense environment where strong opinions are common?
- What is your understanding of AI safety, and why is it important to you?
Common mistakes to avoid
- Don't submit a generic application that doesn't show specific knowledge of Lightcone or LessWrong.
- Avoid downplaying the cultural fit; this role is as much about alignment as it is about skills.
- Don't present yourself as a specialist; the role requires a generalist mindset, so highlight breadth over depth.
Deadline
No deadline is listed. Roles without a deadline usually close once the employer has enough candidates, so apply soon if you are interested.