Application Guide
How to Apply for Forecasting, Modeling, and Shaping AI Futures
at Lens Academy
🏢 About Lens Academy
Lens Academy is a nonprofit dedicated to reducing existential risk from advanced AI by creating scalable educational programs. Their focus on superintelligence risk education is unique, and they offer a hands-on, cohort-based learning experience with AI tutor support, making them a pioneer in this niche field.
About This Role
This role involves facilitating and teaching a comprehensive course on AI forecasting and strategy, guiding students through six units of intensive study, and providing personalized coaching to help them apply these models to real-world AI safety challenges. It's impactful because it equips a new generation of thinkers with the tools to shape AI futures and mitigate catastrophic risks.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve preparing for an upcoming unit by reviewing materials and current AI news, then leading a live small-group discussion where students test their forecasting models. Later, you'd provide feedback on student submissions, hold 1-on-1 coaching calls, and collaborate with the AI tutor to address common questions.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Lens Academy Is Looking For
- Deep interest and knowledge in AI safety, existential risk, and forecasting methodologies.
- Experience in teaching, facilitating, or mentoring, particularly in technical or interdisciplinary topics.
- Strong analytical and modeling skills, with the ability to guide others in building explicit models of AI futures.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for leading small group discussions and providing 1-on-1 coaching.
📝 Tips for Applying to Lens Academy
Highlight any experience with forecasting, AI safety research, or relevant coursework in your application.
Demonstrate your teaching philosophy and how you'd foster engaging group discussions in a remote setting.
Show specific examples of how you've helped others grasp complex topics or build models.
Mention your familiarity with the course structure (six units, AI tutor support) and suggest improvements.
If you have a background in policy, governance, or AI labs, emphasize how you'd incorporate current events into the curriculum.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your passion for AI existential risk and why Lens Academy's mission resonates with you.", 'Your experience in teaching or mentoring, with concrete examples of student success.', 'Your ability to simplify complex forecasting tools for a diverse audience.', "Your vision for how you'd support students in their next steps after the course."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore Lens Academy's website and any public materials about their mission and course outcomes.
- → Read about the specific forecasting tools and researchers mentioned in the course description.
- → Look into current AI existential risk debates and how they're covered in media.
- → Check if there are any alumni testimonials or reviews of the course to understand its impact.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't overlook the teaching aspect; this is not just a research role, but an educational one.
- Avoid generic applications; tailor your resume and cover letter to AI safety and forecasting specifically.
- Don't underestimate the remote, cohort-based nature; emphasize your experience with virtual collaboration and facilitation.
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!