Application Guide

How to Apply for Head of Kairos Labs

at Kairos Project

🏢 About Kairos Project

The Kairos Project is a unique nonprofit dedicated to reducing catastrophic risks from nuclear weapons. Working here offers the chance to directly influence global security policy and contribute to a safer world. The organization values innovative thinking and strategic action, making it an inspiring place for mission-driven individuals.

About This Role

As the Head of Kairos Labs, you will design and lead a new incubator for AI safety organizations, from conceptualizing the program structure to launching and supporting the first cohort of founders. This role is pivotal in shaping the future of AI safety by nurturing early-stage ventures that could mitigate existential risks. Your work will have a lasting impact on the AI safety ecosystem and the broader field of global catastrophic risk reduction.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a virtual check-in with your remote team, followed by reviewing applications or meeting with potential founders. You could spend time refining the incubator's curriculum, advising current cohort members on fundraising strategies, or reaching out to your network to recruit new ventures. Evenings might involve writing updates for stakeholders or researching the latest AI safety developments to inform your program's direction.

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🎯 Who Kairos Project Is Looking For

  • Proven experience founding and scaling an organization, or running an incubator/accelerator/fellowship program, with a track record of supporting early-stage ventures.
  • Deep understanding of the AI safety landscape, including key players, technical challenges, and strategic priorities, to make informed decisions about which founders to back.
  • Strong judgment and network to recruit high-potential founding teams and advise them on strategy, fundraising, hiring, and operations.
  • Exceptional program design and execution skills, capable of building application processes, cohort structures, and support services from scratch.

📝 Tips for Applying to Kairos Project

1

Highlight your specific experience with AI safety, whether through research, advocacy, or direct involvement in the ecosystem. Show that you understand the nuances and current debates.

2

Demonstrate your ability to design and run an incubator or similar program by providing concrete examples of program structures you've created, including selection criteria, mentorship models, and success metrics.

3

Articulate your vision for Kairos Labs—how would you approach the first cohort? What kinds of founders would you target? What support services are most critical?

4

Quantify your impact in previous roles: how many organizations did you incubate? What were their outcomes? How much funding did they raise?

5

Since the role is remote, emphasize your experience working in distributed teams and your ability to build culture and manage operations remotely.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your passion for AI safety and reducing catastrophic risks, and how Kairos Labs aligns with your personal mission.', 'Your entrepreneurial and program-building experience, with specific examples of taking an initiative from idea to launch.', 'Your ability to identify and support promising founders, including your network and mentorship philosophy.', 'Your strategic thinking about the AI safety ecosystem—where are the gaps, and how can Kairos Labs fill them?']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Study The Kairos Project's mission, history, and current initiatives beyond the job description. Understand their stance on nuclear risk and how AI safety fits into their broader goals.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the AI safety landscape: major organizations (e.g., OpenAI, Anthropic, MIRI, CSER), key researchers, and recent developments in policy and technical research.
  • → Look into other AI safety incubators or accelerators (e.g., Conjecture, SERI) to understand what works and what gaps Kairos Labs could fill.
  • → Review The Kairos Project's team and board to understand the culture and who you'd be working with. Check for recent news or publications to stay current.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you structure the first cohort of Kairos Labs? What selection criteria would you use and why?
2 Describe a time you helped a founder overcome a major challenge. What was your approach?
3 What are the biggest gaps in the AI safety ecosystem that Kairos Labs should address?
4 How do you balance the need for high-impact ventures with the practicalities of early-stage incubation?
5 How would you measure the success of Kairos Labs in its first year? What metrics matter most?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't be vague about your experience with AI safety—show that you have a real understanding of the field, not just a passing interest.
  • Avoid focusing solely on your own startup experience without connecting it to the specific needs of an incubator. Emphasize your ability to support others, not just your own success.
  • Don't underestimate the nonprofit aspect—this is a mission-driven role, so avoid purely profit-oriented language. Show that you're motivated by impact, not just innovation.

📅 Application Timeline

⏰ Deadline: September 25, 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 Kairos Project!

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