Application Guide

How to Apply for Program Systems Associate

at ML Alignment & Theory Scholars (MATS)

🏢 About ML Alignment & Theory Scholars (MATS)

MATS (ML Alignment & Theory Scholars) is a unique organization focused on identifying and developing talent in AI safety, specifically working to ensure advanced AI systems remain aligned with human values. They operate at the intersection of technical research and talent development, creating infrastructure that supports the broader AI safety ecosystem. Working here offers the opportunity to contribute directly to a mission-critical field with global implications.

About This Role

As a Program Systems Associate, you'll be responsible for building and maintaining the internal infrastructure that supports MATS' talent pipeline and research programs. This involves modernizing legacy systems, creating shared tools for the AI safety community, and ensuring data privacy and usability across platforms. Your work directly enables researchers and scholars to focus on alignment problems by providing reliable, secure infrastructure.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve collaborating with program managers to design a new data collection form for scholar applications, then implementing the backend database structure with appropriate access controls. You could spend time refactoring an existing integration between systems, testing security measures, and documenting best practices for the team. There's likely regular coordination with other technical teams to align on infrastructure decisions that support MATS' growing programs.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who ML Alignment & Theory Scholars (MATS) Is Looking For

  • Has hands-on experience implementing database design patterns (like normalization, indexing strategies, or data modeling) in real projects, not just theoretical knowledge
  • Demonstrates a security-first approach to data handling, with specific examples of implementing privacy measures or access controls
  • Can articulate how they've improved user experience in previous roles, particularly for internal tools or data collection interfaces
  • Shows either proficiency in writing custom database workflows (using Python/SQL/etc.) OR has documented experience using LLMs effectively for coding tasks

📝 Tips for Applying to ML Alignment & Theory Scholars (MATS)

1

Highlight specific database projects where you implemented design patterns—mention the patterns used and the business problems they solved

2

Include a portfolio link showing interfaces you've designed for data collection or internal tools, with notes on usability decisions

3

Demonstrate your security mindset by describing how you've handled sensitive data in past roles (without revealing actual sensitive information)

4

If you use LLMs for coding, provide concrete examples of complex database workflows you've generated or debugged with AI assistance

5

Show understanding of MATS' mission by connecting your infrastructure experience to how it could support AI safety talent development

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your experience with database refactoring or modernization projects, especially moving from legacy systems to improved architectures', 'Specific examples of balancing usability with security in data collection systems or internal tools', 'How your work has enabled other teams or organizations to be more effective through better infrastructure', "Why you're specifically interested in supporting AI safety talent development through technical infrastructure"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → MATS' current and past scholars—understand what kinds of researchers they support and what infrastructure needs they might have
  • → The broader AI safety ecosystem MATS operates within (organizations like MIRI, Anthropic, CHAI) to understand shared infrastructure needs
  • → MATS' public-facing tools or applications to identify potential areas for improvement or integration
  • → Recent MATS blog posts or announcements about their program growth to understand scaling challenges

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk me through how you would design a secure database schema for scholar application data with varying access levels
2 Describe a time you improved a legacy system—what challenges did you face and how did you ensure minimal disruption?
3 How would you balance rapid prototyping of new tools with establishing long-term best practices?
4 What metrics would you track to measure the success of MATS' internal infrastructure?
5 How have you used LLMs or other AI tools in your development workflow, and what guardrails do you implement?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on technical database skills without connecting them to MATS' mission of talent development and AI safety
  • Presenting generic security knowledge without specific examples of implementing data privacy measures
  • Overemphasizing frontend development at the expense of database and infrastructure experience

📅 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 ML Alignment & Theory Scholars (MATS)!

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