Application Guide

How to Apply for Lead Research Scientist

at Neo Research

🏢 About Neo Research

Neo Research is a research and evaluations lab based in Singapore, singularly focused on ensuring frontier AI can be safely deployed at scale. Working here means contributing to cutting-edge AI safety research with direct access to frontier models and influential collaborators. The team is small, agile, and deeply technical, offering a unique opportunity to shape the safety landscape.

About This Role

As the Lead Research Scientist, you will define Neo's research agenda and lead projects that directly influence AI safety practices. Your work on evaluation recognition and concealment will help develop rigorous methods to understand frontier-model behaviors, making a tangible impact on how AI is deployed. This role combines hands-on research, mentorship, and strategic collaboration, making it pivotal for someone who wants to drive real-world safety outcomes.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a team stand-up to align on ongoing research projects, followed by deep work on experimental design or data analysis. You'd likely have one-on-one mentorship sessions with researchers, review their experimental plans, and then spend time in meetings with external collaborators or drafting research agendas. The remote nature allows for flexible hours, but expect a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines and high expectations.

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🎯 Who Neo Research Is Looking For

  • A visionary with a strong track record in AI safety research, evidenced by publications or deployed safety measures.
  • Deep expertise in frontier model evaluations, including innovative approaches to detect and prevent evaluation gaming.
  • Proven leadership in guiding research teams, with a mentorship style that elevates experimental rigor and evidence-based conclusions.
  • Exceptional collaborator with experience building partnerships across academia, industry, and policy circles.

📝 Tips for Applying to Neo Research

1

Tailor your CV to highlight specific projects where you've led research on frontier model behaviors, including any work on evaluation robustness or concealment.

2

In your cover letter, articulate your vision for a research agenda that aligns with Neo's mission, referencing their recent publications or blog posts.

3

Quantify your impact: e.g., 'developed an evaluation suite that reduced model gaming by 30%' or 'led a team that published 5 papers accepted at top venues'.

4

Showcase your ability to bridge research and collaboration by mentioning any interactions with AI Safety Institutes or frontier labs.

5

Prepare to discuss a 'deep dive' of one of your past research projects, focusing on your methodology and how you ensured rigorous evidence.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Emphasize your alignment with Neo's mission and your specific ideas for advancing frontier AI safety.", 'Highlight your experience in leading research projects from conception to publication, especially in AI safety.', 'Demonstrate your expertise in evaluation recognition and concealment with concrete examples.', 'Mention your collaborative network and ability to foster partnerships with key stakeholders.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read Neo Research's latest publications and blog posts to understand their current focus areas and methodologies.
  • → Research the backgrounds of the current team members to understand their expertise and potential synergies.
  • → Familiarize yourself with recent developments in evaluation recognition and concealment in the broader AI safety community.
  • → Look into the Singapore AI landscape and any relevant government initiatives that might affect Neo's work.
Visit Neo Research's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you design a study to detect whether a frontier model is concealing its capabilities during evaluation?
2 Describe a time you had to pivot a research project due to unexpected results. How did you handle it?
3 What are the most pressing research questions in AI safety that you believe Neo should prioritize?
4 How do you approach mentoring junior researchers while maintaining high standards of evidence?
5 How would you collaborate with an AI Safety Institute or a frontier lab to maximize the impact of your research?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't submit a generic application that doesn't reference Neo's specific work or mission.
  • Avoid overstating your experience; be honest about your role in past projects.
  • Don't neglect to show your leadership and mentorship capabilities, as this is a senior lead role.

📅 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 Neo Research!

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