Application Guide

How to Apply for Head of Frontier AI Risk

at AI Safety Asia

🏢 About AI Safety Asia

AI Safety Asia (AISA) is a nonprofit dedicated to building Asia as a globally-leading safe and responsible AI innovator. This mission is unique—focusing on a region often underrepresented in AI safety discourse, and offers the chance to shape policy in a rapidly evolving landscape.

About This Role

As Head of Frontier AI Risk, you will be AISA's authoritative voice, briefing Asian government officials on AI risks and governance, and leading research on frontier AI topics. This role is impactful because it bridges technical research and policy, influencing decisions that could mitigate catastrophic risks from advanced AI.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve drafting a briefing note for a government official on a new AI safety evaluation method, leading a team meeting to discuss research on agentic risks, and then presenting to stakeholders via video call. You'll also spend time reading technical papers and translating findings into actionable policy recommendations, with flexibility to work across time zones.

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🎯 Who AI Safety Asia Is Looking For

  • Deep expertise in frontier AI safety topics, such as dangerous-capability evaluations, safety cases, agentic systems, and loss-of-control risks, with a track record of producing high-quality research or policy analysis.
  • Strong ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, decision-relevant briefings for government officials and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Experience engaging with policymakers or in a policy advisory role, particularly in an Asian context, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Proven leadership in a research or policy team, with the ability to lead projects independently and collaboratively.

📝 Tips for Applying to AI Safety Asia

1

Highlight any direct experience briefing government officials, especially in Asia, or provide writing samples (e.g., policy briefs, explainers) that demonstrate your ability to translate technical AI safety concepts for a policy audience.

2

Show your research depth by mentioning specific frontier AI risk areas you've worked on (e.g., agentic systems, safety cases) and how they inform policy recommendations.

3

Tailor your application to AISA's mission: emphasize your commitment to AI safety in the Asian context and any cross-cultural competencies.

4

Include concrete examples of leading research projects or teams, as the role requires leadership and initiative.

5

Since it's remote, demonstrate your remote work capabilities, such as experience with distributed teams and effective communication across time zones.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your deep understanding of frontier AI risks and governance, with specific examples of how you've addressed them in research or policy.", 'Your experience in advising or briefing senior officials, showing you can be a credible and authoritative voice.', "Your alignment with AISA's mission to build Asia as a leader in safe AI, and any relevant regional experience or interest.", 'Your ability to lead research and produce high-quality policy documents under tight deadlines.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Explore AISA's website and recent publications to understand their current focus areas, events, and partnerships in Asia.
  • → Research the AI governance landscape in specific Asian countries (e.g., Singapore, Japan, Korea) to understand the policy context and key stakeholders.
  • → Look into AISA's team and advisory board to understand their backgrounds and potential synergies.
  • → Review recent reports or statements from AISA on frontier AI risk to align your knowledge with their perspectives.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach briefing a government official on frontier AI risks who has limited technical background?
2 Describe a recent development in frontier AI (e.g., agentic systems) and its implications for policy in Asia.
3 What are the key challenges in conducting dangerous-capability evaluations, and how would you address them in a policy context?
4 How would you prioritize research topics given limited resources, focusing on the most impactful risks?
5 How do you stay updated on the rapidly evolving AI safety landscape, and how would you incorporate that into AISA's work?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application that doesn't reference AISA's mission or the specific responsibilities of this role.
  • Overemphasizing academic research without demonstrating practical policy application or communication skills.
  • Ignoring the Asian focus: failing to show awareness of regional AI developments or cultural nuances in policy making.

📅 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 AI Safety Asia!

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