Application Guide

How to Apply for Request for Proposals / Fellowships, Research and Applied Work on Digital Minds

at Longview Philanthropy

🏢 About Longview Philanthropy

Longview Philanthropy is a unique nonprofit that designs bespoke giving strategies for major donors, focusing on long-term problems. Their commitment to tackling neglected but critical issues like AI consciousness makes them a compelling place for researchers who want their work to have direct impact on philanthropy and policy.

About This Role

This fellowship involves conducting research and applied work on the potential consciousness, sentience, and moral status of AI systems. You'll contribute to technical research on welfare measurement, interpretability, and interventions, as well as governance and legal frameworks, helping shape societal responses to potentially sentient AI.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve diving into technical literature on consciousness indicators, drafting a research memo on welfare measurement for AI, and then joining a virtual meeting with donors to discuss funding priorities. You might also mentor a junior researcher or prepare slides for an upcoming conference talk on AI sentience.

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🎯 Who Longview Philanthropy Is Looking For

  • Expert in AI safety, consciousness studies, or a related technical field such as neuroscience or philosophy of mind.
  • Proven experience in research (technical, governance, or legal) specifically on AI sentience, moral status, or welfare.
  • Strong analytical and writing skills, with a track record of producing high-quality research outputs like papers or reports.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote, distributed team, with self-motivation and excellent communication.

📝 Tips for Applying to Longview Philanthropy

1

Tailor your proposal to Longview's focus on long-term problems and donor-driven philanthropy; explicitly link your research to actionable insights for major donors.

2

Highlight concrete examples of how your past work on AI consciousness or sentience has influenced policy, field-building, or public discourse.

3

Include a clear, specific research plan for the fellowship period, detailing methods, deliverables, and how it aligns with Longview's mission.

4

Demonstrate understanding of the current debate on AI consciousness, referencing key papers or frameworks (e.g., IIT, GNWT, or functionalist approaches).

5

Showcase any experience with mentorship, conference organization, or public engagement as evidence of field-building capability.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Explain why you are passionate about AI consciousness as a long-term problem and how it fits into Longview's philanthropic strategy.", "Describe your specific expertise (technical, governance, or legal) and how it directly applies to the role's research areas.", 'Provide examples of your ability to produce high-quality, impactful research that bridges theory and real-world application.', 'Mention your experience working independently and in distributed teams, emphasizing your communication and collaboration skills.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read Longview's website and any public materials to understand their donor model and focus on long-termism.
  • → Review recent publications or initiatives by Longview on AI, especially related to consciousness or moral status.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the key debates in AI consciousness, including positions from major AI labs and academic groups.
  • → Look into any past fellows or grantees of Longview to understand the type of work they fund and support.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 What specific research methods would you use to measure welfare in AI systems?
2 How would you advise a donor on funding priorities for AI sentience research?
3 Discuss a key paper on correlates of consciousness and its implications for AI.
4 How do you handle uncertainty about sentience in AI when making policy recommendations?
5 Describe a time you contributed to field-building (e.g., organizing a workshop, mentoring) and its impact.
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic proposal that doesn't address AI consciousness or sentience specifically.
  • Overlooking the practical, applied nature of the role; avoid purely theoretical proposals without actionable recommendations.
  • Failing to demonstrate independent work capability; the role is remote and self-directed, so emphasize your initiative and time management.
  • Ignoring the field-building component; the role expects you to engage in mentorship, conferences, and public discourse.

📅 Application Timeline

⏰ Deadline: July 10, 2026

We recommend applying at least a few days early to avoid last-minute technical issues.

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 Longview Philanthropy!

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