Application Guide
How to Apply for Curriculum Development Lead
at Iliad
🏢 About Iliad
Iliad is an umbrella organization that advances applied mathematics research in AI alignment through conferences, research incubation, and fellowship programs. Unlike traditional academic institutions, Iliad focuses on bridging cutting-edge mathematical theory with practical AI safety challenges, making it a hub for researchers who want to tackle alignment from a rigorous, quantitative perspective. Working here means contributing to a small, highly collaborative team that values both intellectual depth and educational impact.
About This Role
As Curriculum Development Lead, you will own the design and evolution of an AI alignment research course that serves over 40 students monthly. You'll be responsible for curating technical modules, ensuring they form a coherent narrative aligned with learning outcomes, and coordinating with writers, teachers, and education staff to implement improvements based on participant feedback. You'll also write and teach course materials yourself, so you'll stay hands-on with the latest alignment research while shaping how the next generation of researchers learns.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve reviewing and revising a technical module on decision theory, meeting with a writer to refine explanations, and teaching a live session to students. You might also analyze participant feedback to identify areas for improvement and collaborate with education staff to plan upcoming course iterations. Expect a mix of independent deep work, team coordination, and direct student interaction.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Iliad Is Looking For
- Holds a degree in mathematics, physics, or theoretical computer science, with a strong mathematical foundation (e.g., linear algebra, probability, optimization).
- Has broad knowledge of AI alignment research, including topics like decision theory, agent foundations, interpretability, and scalable oversight.
- Demonstrates prior experience in curriculum design or course development, ideally for technical subjects at the graduate or advanced undergraduate level.
- Possesses proven teaching ability, with experience explaining complex mathematical concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
📝 Tips for Applying to Iliad
Highlight any curriculum design work you've done, especially for technical courses—detail the learning outcomes, structure, and how you incorporated feedback.
Showcase your mathematical depth by mentioning specific areas (e.g., probability theory, game theory) and how they relate to AI alignment problems.
Demonstrate your AI alignment knowledge by referencing key papers, researchers, or debates in the field; Iliad values deep engagement with the literature.
Emphasize your ability to coordinate with multiple stakeholders (writers, teachers, staff) and give examples of successful collaboration in educational projects.
If you've taught or TA'd before, quantify your impact (e.g., number of students, improvements in evaluations) and describe your teaching philosophy.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your specific experience designing and iterating on technical curricula, particularly in AI alignment or related fields.', 'Your mathematical background and how it enables you to write and teach rigorous alignment content.', 'Your familiarity with the AI alignment research landscape, including current open problems and key contributors.', 'Your ability to lead and coordinate a team of educators and writers, ensuring a coherent and effective learning experience.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore Iliad's website to understand their conferences, research incubation projects, and fellowship programs—this will help you align your application with their mission.
- → Read recent publications or blog posts by Iliad affiliates to grasp their approach to applied mathematics in AI alignment.
- → Investigate the current AI alignment course structure (if publicly available) and identify areas where you could contribute or improve.
- → Look into the backgrounds of Iliad's team and partners to understand the intellectual community you'd be joining.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing only on your research background without demonstrating curriculum design or teaching experience.
- Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention AI alignment or Iliad's specific approach to applied mathematics.
- Neglecting to show familiarity with the current AI alignment landscape, which could signal a lack of genuine interest in the field.
📅 Application Timeline
⏰ Deadline: November 15, 2026
We recommend applying at least a few days early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!