Application Guide

How to Apply for Funding, Human Self-Enhancement and Empowerment

at Survival and Flourishing

🏢 About Survival and Flourishing

Survival and Flourishing is a unique public benefit corporation that uses philanthropy to support initiatives aimed at improving the survival and flourishing of humanity and other sentient beings. They have a track record of funding impactful organizations like 80,000 Hours, and they are now seeking to advance human self-enhancement technologies. Working here means contributing to a mission-driven organization focused on long-term, high-impact projects.

About This Role

This role involves advancing technical and philosophical research on human self-enhancement technologies, such as cognitive enhancement, longevity, and brain-computer interfaces. You will also work on empowering individuals to enhance their bodies and minds ethically. The impact is significant because you'll help shape the future of human potential while ensuring responsible development.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reading and summarizing recent research papers on cognitive enhancement, drafting a philosophical analysis of ethical concerns, and meeting with team members to discuss funding opportunities for promising projects. You might also write a blog post or grant proposal to empower individuals to explore self-enhancement technologies.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Survival and Flourishing Is Looking For

  • Has a background in a relevant technical field (e.g., bioengineering, neuroscience, AI) or philosophy (e.g., ethics, bioethics) with a focus on human enhancement.
  • Demonstrates ability to conduct independent research, either through published papers, projects, or previous work in a research-oriented organization.
  • Aligns with the mission of improving survival and flourishing, and understands the importance of ethical considerations in self-enhancement.
  • Comfortable working remotely and autonomously, with strong self-management and communication skills.

📝 Tips for Applying to Survival and Flourishing

1

Tailor your resume to highlight any research or projects related to human enhancement, even if they were academic or side projects.

2

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your skills to the three job responsibilities: technical research, philosophical research, and empowerment.

3

Show that you understand the company's mission by referencing their past grants (e.g., to 80,000 Hours) and how your work aligns with their goals.

4

If you have a portfolio or writing samples, include links to relevant work (e.g., papers, blog posts, or GitHub repositories).

5

Mention any experience with grant writing or fundraising, as the role involves funding and may require identifying opportunities.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your passion for human self-enhancement and your vision for ethical and impactful technologies.', 'Highlight your research skills with specific examples (e.g., a project where you conducted technical or philosophical research).', 'Explain how your background fits the dual technical/philosophical nature of the role.', "Show alignment with the company's mission of survival and flourishing, and mention how you can contribute to their philanthropic goals."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read about Survival and Flourishing's past grant recommendations and their impact.
  • → Familiarize yourself with key figures in the effective altruism and human enhancement communities (e.g., Nick Bostrom, Aubrey de Grey).
  • → Review current debates on the ethics of human enhancement, including issues of fairness and identity.
  • → Explore the technical landscape of self-enhancement: nootropics, gene editing, neural implants, etc.
Visit Survival and Flourishing's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Discuss a specific human enhancement technology you find promising and its ethical implications.
2 How would you evaluate a grant proposal for a self-enhancement project? What criteria would you use?
3 Describe a time you conducted independent research and how you overcame challenges.
4 What are the biggest risks of human self-enhancement, and how would you mitigate them?
5 How would you empower individuals to enhance themselves while ensuring equitable access?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Avoid being too focused on profit; the company is a public benefit corporation, so mission alignment is key.
  • Don't neglect the philosophical aspect; the role requires balancing technical research with ethical considerations.
  • Avoid generic applications; this is a niche role, so show specific knowledge and interest in self-enhancement.

📅 Application Timeline

⏰ Deadline: July 8, 2026

We recommend applying at least a few days early to avoid last-minute technical issues.

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 Survival and Flourishing!

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