Application Guide

How to Apply for Junior Research Fellowship

at ILINA Program

🏢 About ILINA Program

The ILINA Program appears to be a specialized initiative focused on AI governance and safety, specifically addressing global catastrophic risks. Its unique dual-track structure (governance vs. technical) suggests it bridges policy and technical research, making it distinctive for those wanting to work at the intersection of AI development and societal impact. The remote, part-time fellowship format allows for flexible, high-impact contributions to emerging AI challenges.

About This Role

This Junior Research Fellowship involves conducting focused research from April to November 2026, with weekly seminars in spring and intensive project work in fall. Fellows will develop high-impact projects in AI policy/regulation (governance track) or AI safety evaluation/mechanistic interpretability (technical track), directly contributing to understanding and mitigating global catastrophic risks from AI.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve independent literature review and analysis on AI governance frameworks or technical safety methods, preparing for weekly seminar discussions with other fellows, and making progress on a research project aimed at understanding or mitigating AI-related catastrophic risks. The remote setting requires self-directed work with periodic virtual collaboration and feedback sessions.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who ILINA Program Is Looking For

  • For governance track: Has a social science or humanities background with demonstrated interest in AI policy, regulation, or legal frameworks
  • For technical track: Possesses programming experience (especially Python) and a strong foundation in mathematics, statistics, or machine learning
  • Is either completing or has completed an undergraduate degree by early August 2026 and can commit to the specific time requirements (7 hours/week April-June, 20 hours/week August-November)
  • Shows clear motivation to work on AI and global catastrophic risks, with ability to conduct independent research and collaborate in seminar settings

📝 Tips for Applying to ILINA Program

1

Explicitly state which track (governance or technical) you're applying for in your application materials and tailor all content accordingly

2

Highlight any previous research, projects, or coursework related to AI policy/regulation (for governance) or AI safety/interpretability (for technical)

3

Demonstrate your understanding of 'global catastrophic risks' in the context of AI with specific examples or ideas

4

Clearly address your availability for both time periods (April-June and August-November 2026) and how you'll manage the part-time commitment

5

If still completing your degree, provide a specific timeline for completion and how you'll balance studies with fellowship responsibilities

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific interest in either AI governance/policy or AI safety/interpretability and why that track aligns with your background', 'How your previous experience (academic or otherwise) prepares you for research on AI and global catastrophic risks', 'Your ability to commit to the specific time requirements and work independently in a remote setting', 'Initial ideas or areas of interest for the high-impact projects mentioned in the job description']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Look for any publications, blog posts, or public statements from ILINA Program researchers to understand their specific focus areas
  • → Research current debates in AI policy/regulation (for governance track) or recent developments in AI safety/interpretability (for technical track)
  • → Investigate what 'global catastrophic risks' means in AI context and familiarize yourself with key organizations working in this space
  • → Try to identify if ILINA has particular methodological approaches or theoretical frameworks they emphasize

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Your understanding of current AI governance frameworks or AI safety challenges (depending on your track)
2 How you would approach researching a specific aspect of AI and global catastrophic risks
3 Your experience with independent research projects and time management for part-time commitments
4 Specific examples of how your background (social sciences/humanities or technical skills) applies to AI research
5 Your motivation for working on AI risks and how this fellowship fits into your long-term goals
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying without specifying which track (governance or technical) you're interested in or why
  • Failing to demonstrate specific knowledge about AI policy/safety or global catastrophic risks
  • Not addressing the specific time commitments or showing unrealistic expectations about part-time remote work

📅 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 ILINA Program!

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