Application Guide

How to Apply for Full-stack Software Engineer (Research team)

at Apollo Research

🏢 About Apollo Research

Apollo Research is uniquely focused on AI safety risks from Loss of Control, specifically deceptive alignment where AI models appear aligned but are actually misaligned. They collaborate directly with frontier AI companies on detection, science, and mitigations of scheming, making this a rare opportunity to work on cutting-edge AI safety research with real-world impact.

About This Role

This Full-stack Software Engineer role supports Apollo's research team by designing, developing, and maintaining software applications that enable research into deceptive AI alignment. You'll work closely with research scientists to build tools for detecting and mitigating scheming in AI systems, directly contributing to AI safety solutions.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves collaborating with research scientists to understand their experimental needs, then designing and implementing software tools that help test AI models for deceptive behavior. You might spend the morning reviewing code for a new detection algorithm interface, then work on scaling a cloud-based application that processes large datasets from frontier AI models.

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🎯 Who Apollo Research Is Looking For

  • Has 5+ years experience with full-stack development using Java, Python, and C++ in research or AI-focused environments
  • Demonstrates experience with AWS/Azure cloud technologies and can build scalable applications supporting research workflows
  • Shows understanding of software development principles applied to research contexts, not just commercial products
  • Possesses excellent collaboration skills to work effectively with research scientists on complex AI safety problems

📝 Tips for Applying to Apollo Research

1

Highlight specific experience building software tools for research teams or AI/ML projects, not just commercial applications

2

Demonstrate understanding of Apollo's focus on deceptive alignment by mentioning relevant AI safety concepts in your application

3

Showcase projects where you've worked with multiple programming languages (Java, Python, C++) in a single stack

4

Provide concrete examples of cloud-based applications you've developed on AWS or Azure for research purposes

5

Emphasize collaboration experiences with non-technical researchers or scientists in previous roles

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific interest in AI safety and deceptive alignment research (not just general AI enthusiasm)', "Examples of software you've built that supported research or scientific work", 'Experience collaborating across technical and research teams effectively', "How your 5+ years of development experience prepares you for Apollo's unique research environment"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read Apollo's published research papers on deceptive alignment and Loss of Control to understand their technical approach
  • → Research their collaborations with frontier AI companies to understand their industry partnerships
  • → Understand the difference between deceptive alignment/scheming and other AI safety concerns
  • → Look into their team members' backgrounds to understand the research culture you'd be supporting

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you design a software system to help researchers detect deceptive behavior in AI models?
2 Describe a time you had to explain complex technical concepts to research scientists or non-technical collaborators
3 What cloud architecture patterns would you use for a research application that needs to scale with experimental data?
4 How do you stay current with both software development trends AND AI safety research developments?
5 Walk us through your experience with Java, Python, and C++ in a single project or work environment
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on commercial software experience without showing interest in research applications
  • Treating this as just another full-stack role without demonstrating specific interest in AI safety
  • Applying with generic AI/ML experience that doesn't address deceptive alignment or safety concerns

📅 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 Apollo Research!

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