Application Guide

How to Apply for Emerging Voices in AI and Society Fellowship

at Center for Humane Technology

๐Ÿข About Center for Humane Technology

The Center for Humane Technology (CHT) is a nonprofit organization founded by former tech insiders dedicated to realigning technology with humanity's best interests. They are known for their influential work on ethical design, policy advocacy, and raising awareness about technology's societal impacts. Joining CHT means contributing to a mission-driven team that bridges research, public engagement, and systemic change.

About This Role

The Emerging Voices in AI and Society Fellowship is a contract research role focusing on the societal impacts of AI, with an emphasis on translating complex ideas into accessible public content. Fellows produce rigorous analysis and engage stakeholders to advance solutions that mitigate AI harms and promote humane technology. This role is impactful because it directly influences public discourse and policy through well-researched, solution-oriented outputs.

๐Ÿ’ก A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve conducting literature reviews or data analysis on AI's societal impacts in your chosen area, then drafting a public-facing essay or policy brief. You'd likely participate in stakeholder meetings with academics, policymakers, or tech industry leaders to gather diverse perspectives. Afternoons could be spent refining your work based on feedback from CHT's editorial team, preparing for a podcast interview, or sharing your findings on social media to engage the public.

๐ŸŽฏ Who Center for Humane Technology Is Looking For

  • A mid-career professional with an interdisciplinary background (e.g., psychology, sociology, philosophy, policy, journalism, or tech industry) who can synthesize insights across fields to analyze AI's societal impacts.
  • A strong public communicator with a track record of writing op-eds, reports, or speaking engagements that make complex issues accessible to general audiences.
  • A delivery-oriented researcher who has consistently shipped concrete deliverables on time, such as published articles, policy briefs, or research reports.
  • Someone with a nuanced perspective on AI harms and incentives, who is constructive and solution-focused rather than purely critical.

๐Ÿ“ Tips for Applying to Center for Humane Technology

1

Tailor your writing samples to demonstrate your ability to translate complex AI topics for a general audienceโ€”avoid overly technical jargon.

2

Explicitly connect your interdisciplinary background to one of the five identified research areas (e.g., mental health, democracy, inequality) and explain how your perspective adds value.

3

Showcase your delivery-oriented mindset by including examples of projects you completed on time, with measurable impact (e.g., policy changes, media coverage).

4

Mention any familiarity with CHT's work, such as their podcast 'Your Undivided Attention' or their policy recommendations, to show genuine interest.

5

Highlight your constructive approach to AI harmsโ€”CHT values solutions over mere critique, so frame your analysis with actionable recommendations.

โœ‰๏ธ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Emphasize your interdisciplinary expertise and how it uniquely qualifies you to analyze AI's societal impacts from multiple angles.", "Demonstrate your public communication skills by referencing specific op-eds, essays, or talks you've delivered, and explain their reach.", 'Show that you are delivery-oriented by citing past projects where you shipped concrete outputs on time, such as reports or campaigns.', "Articulate a nuanced, constructive perspective on AIโ€”acknowledge harms but focus on solutions aligned with CHT's mission."]

Generate Cover Letter โ†’

๐Ÿ” Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • โ†’ Read CHT's published reports and policy briefs to understand their research style and areas of focus.
  • โ†’ Listen to episodes of 'Your Undivided Attention' podcast to grasp their communication approach and key themes.
  • โ†’ Review their 'Humane Technology' framework and design standards to align your application with their principles.
  • โ†’ Familiarize yourself with the five research areas for the fellowship (likely listed on their website) to identify which fits your expertise.
Visit Center for Humane Technology's Website โ†’

๐Ÿ’ฌ Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach researching the societal impact of AI in your chosen area, and what methodologies would you use?
2 Can you give an example of a time you translated a complex technical concept for a non-expert audience? What was the outcome?
3 Describe a project where you had to deliver concrete results under a tight deadline. How did you ensure timely completion?
4 What is your perspective on the current incentives driving AI development, and what solutions do you think are most promising?
5 How do you stay informed about AI developments, and how do you ensure your analysis remains rigorous and unbiased?
Practice Interview Questions โ†’

โš ๏ธ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting generic application materials that don't reference CHT's mission or specific research areas.
  • Focusing solely on AI risks without offering constructive solutions or a balanced perspective.
  • Ignoring the delivery-oriented requirementโ€”failing to provide concrete examples of past outputs or timelines.

๐Ÿ“… 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

โœ“

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Center for Humane Technology!