Application Guide

How to Apply for National Security Policy Lead

at Anthropic

🏢 About Anthropic

Anthropic is a frontier AI research company focused on developing safe and aligned AI systems, with a unique emphasis on AI safety research and responsible deployment. The company's mission-driven approach to AI development, combined with its public stance on ethical considerations in AI (as referenced in their 80,000 Hours career review), makes it distinctive for professionals who want to work at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and policy. This role offers the opportunity to shape national security policy at a company that's actively engaged in high-stakes AI research.

About This Role

As National Security Policy Lead at Anthropic, you'll design concrete policy proposals addressing AI-related national security challenges and translate technical threat research into actionable strategies. This role is impactful because you'll directly influence how Anthropic mitigates national security risks from its products while shaping U.S. and allied democracies' competitiveness in the AI landscape. You'll serve as a bridge between technical teams and national security stakeholders, making this a uniquely positioned role at the frontier of AI policy.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve collaborating with technical researchers to understand new AI threat models, then drafting policy proposals that translate these technical insights into actionable recommendations for government stakeholders. You'd likely engage with national security partners to discuss model testing protocols while simultaneously shaping Anthropic's internal policies to mitigate security risks from product deployments.

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🎯 Who Anthropic Is Looking For

  • Has 10+ years of government or private-sector national security experience with demonstrated ability to design and advocate for technology policy proposals
  • Currently holds or recently held (within last 2 years) an active TS/SCI clearance and can maintain/obtain one, indicating current or recent access to classified materials
  • Possesses proven ability to translate complex technical AI concepts into accessible policy language for diverse stakeholders
  • Has experience collaborating with both public and private sector national security partners on technology testing and deployment

📝 Tips for Applying to Anthropic

1

Explicitly address your TS/SCI clearance status and timeline in your application materials - this is a hard requirement

2

Demonstrate specific examples of designing policy proposals for technology/national security issues, not just general policy experience

3

Reference Anthropic's specific AI safety research (like Constitutional AI) and how it relates to national security considerations

4

Show understanding of Anthropic's unique position as a frontier AI lab and how that affects national security policy approaches

5

Highlight experience bridging technical teams and policy stakeholders, as this role specifically mentions translating threat model research

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience designing and advocating for technology policy proposals in national security contexts', "How you've previously translated technical research into concrete policy recommendations", 'Your approach to balancing innovation with national security considerations in AI development', "Why Anthropic's specific mission and AI safety focus aligns with your national security philosophy"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Anthropic's specific AI safety research publications and their Constitutional AI approach
  • → Anthropic's public policy positions and existing government engagements (check their blog and policy papers)
  • → The company's unique structure and mission as referenced in the 80,000 Hours career review mentioned in the job posting
  • → Recent national security discussions around frontier AI models and how Anthropic has participated in them
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you design a policy proposal for AI model testing with national security partners, given Anthropic's safety-first approach?
2 Describe a time you translated technical threat research into actionable policy recommendations - what was your process?
3 How do you see Anthropic's Constitutional AI approach intersecting with national security considerations?
4 What strategies would you propose for maintaining U.S. competitiveness in AI while addressing national security risks?
5 How would you approach policy engagements with different stakeholders (government, private sector, allies) on sensitive AI security issues?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Failing to address the TS/SCI clearance requirement or being vague about clearance status/timeline
  • Presenting generic policy experience without specific examples related to technology/national security intersection
  • Demonstrating lack of understanding about Anthropic's specific AI safety focus and how it differs from other AI companies

📅 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 Anthropic!

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