Application Guide
How to Apply for Iliad Intensive Extensions Lead
at Iliad
🏢 About Iliad
Iliad is a nonprofit umbrella organization that advances applied mathematics research in AI alignment through conferences, research incubation, and fellowship programs. Unlike typical AI safety orgs, Iliad bridges rigorous mathematical theory with practical alignment work, making it a hub for mathematically inclined researchers who want to tackle foundational problems. Working here means shaping the next generation of alignment thinkers while collaborating with top mathematicians and AI safety experts.
About This Role
As the Iliad Intensive Extensions Lead, you will own the strategy and execution for expanding Iliad's intensive educational program into new formats—advanced modules, seminars, university partnerships, and online versions—to reach a broader audience. You'll work hands-on with teachers, writers, and platform developers to adapt materials for scalable, self-directed learning, while also writing and teaching course materials yourself to validate workflows. This role is pivotal in scaling Iliad's educational impact and ensuring that rigorous alignment training is accessible to more people worldwide.
💡 A Day in the Life
You might start your day reviewing feedback on a new online module draft from a platform developer, then join a call with a university professor to discuss a potential partnership for an advanced seminar. Later, you'll work on writing a new problem set for a self-directed learning track, and end the day prototyping a workflow for adapting existing materials into a scalable format. Expect a mix of strategic planning, hands-on content creation, and collaboration with a small, mission-driven team.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Iliad Is Looking For
- Holds a degree in mathematics, physics, or theoretical computer science, with demonstrated mathematical maturity (e.g., comfortable with proofs, abstract reasoning, and advanced topics).
- Has solid knowledge of AI alignment, including key problems, approaches, and the existing landscape of educational offerings.
- Possesses product or program scaling experience, having taken an initiative from concept through execution and scaled it effectively (e.g., launched new programs, grew user base).
- Is an independent self-starter who can drive initiatives with minimal supervision, and has experience writing and teaching technical course materials.
📝 Tips for Applying to Iliad
Highlight any experience you have with scaling educational programs or products, especially in technical or research domains—quantify impact where possible (e.g., 'grew participation by X%').
Demonstrate your mathematical maturity by mentioning specific advanced coursework, research, or projects that required deep mathematical reasoning.
Show your familiarity with AI alignment by referencing specific alignment problems, key researchers, or organizations, and explain how you've engaged with the field (e.g., attended conferences, contributed to projects).
Emphasize your ability to both write and teach course materials—provide examples of curricula, tutorials, or workshops you've developed and delivered.
Tailor your application to Iliad's unique focus on applied mathematics in AI alignment; avoid generic AI safety statements and instead connect your skills to Iliad's mission of bridging math and alignment.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your vision for scaling Iliad's intensive program: propose specific formats (e.g., online cohorts, university partnerships) and explain how you'd prioritize them based on impact and feasibility.", 'Your hands-on experience with product/program scaling: describe a time you took an educational initiative from idea to execution and the lessons learned.', 'Your mathematical and alignment background: connect your technical depth to the ability to collaborate with teachers and writers on advanced content.', 'Your ability to work independently and collaborate cross-functionally: give an example of driving a project with minimal oversight while coordinating with diverse stakeholders.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore Iliad's website, especially their conferences (e.g., the Applied Category Theory conference) and fellowship programs, to understand their mathematical focus and community.
- → Read about AI alignment education initiatives (e.g., MIRI's courses, SERI MATS, AI Safety Camp) to see how Iliad's approach compares and where gaps exist.
- → Look into the backgrounds of Iliad's team and affiliated researchers to understand their mathematical specialties and alignment perspectives.
- → Review any publicly available materials from Iliad's intensive program (if any) to grasp the current curriculum and teaching style.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing only on AI safety without demonstrating mathematical maturity—this role requires both, and Iliad is math-centric.
- Neglecting to show program scaling experience; generic project management isn't enough—they want someone who has actually scaled something.
- Being vague about AI alignment knowledge; avoid buzzwords and instead show deep engagement with specific alignment problems and approaches.
📅 Application Timeline
⏰ Deadline: November 15, 2026
We recommend applying at least a few days early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!