How to apply for Lead Research Scientist
Neo Research
About Neo Research
Neo Research is a Singapore-based research and evaluations lab dedicated to ensuring frontier AI can be safely deployed at scale. They focus on frontier-model risks and evaluations, making them a key player in AI safety. Working here offers the chance to shape the global AI safety agenda with a nimble, high-impact team.
About the role
As Lead Research Scientist, you will set Neo's research agenda and lead major projects on misalignment, loss of control, and model evaluation methodology. You'll mentor researchers, guide experimental design, and build collaborations with AI Safety Institutes and frontier labs. This role is pivotal in defining how frontier AI risks are understood and mitigated.
A typical day
You'd start your day reviewing recent experiments and data from ongoing evaluations, then lead a team meeting to discuss progress and next steps. Afternoons might involve mentoring researchers, collaborating with external partners, or writing up findings. You'd also allocate time for strategic planning to shape Neo's research agenda.
Who Neo Research is looking for
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Tips for this application
- 1. In your cover letter and resume, highlight specific research projects that align with Neo's focus on misalignment, loss of control, and evaluation methodology. 2. Provide concrete examples of how you've mentored researchers and guided experimental design, showing leadership and rigor. 3. Emphasize any experience collaborating with AI Safety Institutes, frontier labs, or model developers. 4. Tailor your research statement or portfolio to show you've thought deeply about frontier-model risks and evaluations. 5. Since the role is remote, demonstrate your ability to work independently and communicate effectively across time zones.
- 1. In your cover letter and resume, highlight specific research projects that align with Neo's focus on misalignment, loss of control, and evaluation methodology. 2. Provide concrete examples of how you've mentored researchers and guided experimental design, showing leadership and rigor. 3. Emphasize any experience collaborating with AI Safety Institutes, frontier labs, or model developers. 4. Tailor your research statement or portfolio to show you've thought deeply about frontier-model risks and evaluations. 5. Since the role is remote, demonstrate your ability to work independently and communicate effectively across time zones.
What to cover in your cover letter
- Emphasize your original research contributions to AI safety, especially in areas like misalignment or evaluation. - Show your experience leading research projects and mentoring, with specific outcomes. - Discuss your understanding of frontier-model behaviour and why you're passionate about safe deployment. - Mention any collaborations with relevant organizations and how you can contribute to Neo's external representation.
Draft a cover letterResearch before applying
- 1. Read Neo Research's recent publications or blog posts to understand their current focus areas. 2. Familiarize yourself with the broader AI safety landscape, including work by Anthropic, OpenAI, and AI Safety Institutes. 3. Look into Neo's team members and their backgrounds to understand the company culture and expertise. 4. Review any public talks or presentations by Neo's leadership to grasp their vision for AI safety.
- 1. Read Neo Research's recent publications or blog posts to understand their current focus areas. 2. Familiarize yourself with the broader AI safety landscape, including work by Anthropic, OpenAI, and AI Safety Institutes. 3. Look into Neo's team members and their backgrounds to understand the company culture and expertise. 4. Review any public talks or presentations by Neo's leadership to grasp their vision for AI safety.
Likely interview topics
Based on the job description, expect questions about:
- 1. How would you design an experiment to evaluate a frontier model for loss of control? 2. Describe a time you led a research project and how you ensured rigorous evidence standards. 3. What are the key challenges in current model evaluation methodology, and how would you address them? 4. How do you stay updated on the latest developments in AI safety and frontier models? 5. How would you approach building collaborations with AI Safety Institutes and frontier labs?
- 1. How would you design an experiment to evaluate a frontier model for loss of control? 2. Describe a time you led a research project and how you ensured rigorous evidence standards. 3. What are the key challenges in current model evaluation methodology, and how would you address them? 4. How do you stay updated on the latest developments in AI safety and frontier models? 5. How would you approach building collaborations with AI Safety Institutes and frontier labs?
Common mistakes to avoid
- 1. Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't reference Neo's specific mission or research areas. 2. Overemphasizing theoretical work without connecting it to practical frontier-model risks. 3. Neglecting to show leadership or mentoring experience, which is central to this role.
- 1. Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't reference Neo's specific mission or research areas. 2. Overemphasizing theoretical work without connecting it to practical frontier-model risks. 3. Neglecting to show leadership or mentoring experience, which is central to this role.
Deadline
No deadline is listed. Roles without a deadline usually close once the employer has enough candidates, so apply soon if you are interested.