Application Guide
How to Apply for Request for Proposals, The Launch Sequence
at Institute for Progress
🏢 About Institute for Progress
The Institute for Progress is a unique think tank focused on accelerating scientific, technological, and industrial progress, with a particular emphasis on biosecurity and preparing society for transformative technologies. Unlike traditional think tanks, IFP actively develops and implements concrete projects to address market failures and policy gaps, making it ideal for those who want to move beyond research to tangible impact. Working here offers the chance to collaborate with forward-thinking advisors and directly shape initiatives that could mitigate risks from advanced AI.
About This Role
This contract role involves submitting a proposal to 'The Launch Sequence' initiative, which aims to develop projects that prepare the world for advanced AI. You'll transform ideas into actionable project plans with support from IFP's team and advisors, then connect with philanthropic funders and potential co-leads to implement them. This role is impactful because it directly contributes to building societal resilience against AI-related risks, bridging gaps in current preparedness efforts.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve refining your project proposal based on feedback from IFP advisors, researching specific policy gaps related to AI progress, and drafting outreach materials for potential philanthropic funders. You could also participate in virtual meetings with IFP's team to align your project with their initiatives, and network with experts in biosecurity or AI governance to strengthen your implementation plan.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Institute for Progress Is Looking For
- Has a track record of developing innovative project ideas that accelerate science, strengthen security, or adapt institutions in anticipation of advanced AI, with specific examples in areas like AI governance, biosecurity, or technological forecasting.
- Demonstrates expertise in identifying and addressing market failures or policy gaps related to AI progress, such as through previous work in policy analysis, technology assessment, or philanthropic strategy.
- Possesses strong networking skills to connect with philanthropic funders and potential collaborators, with experience in fundraising, partnership development, or ecosystem building in tech or policy spaces.
- Shows alignment with IFP's mission of accelerating progress while managing risks, with a focus on practical, implementable solutions rather than purely theoretical research.
📝 Tips for Applying to Institute for Progress
Submit a proposal that directly addresses 'The Launch Sequence' initiative—focus on a concrete project idea that prepares for advanced AI, with clear alignment to IFP's emphasis on market failures or policy gaps.
Highlight specific examples where you've developed project plans from idea to implementation, especially in science, security, or institutional adaptation contexts.
Demonstrate your ability to connect with funders and collaborators by mentioning relevant networks or past success in securing resources for similar projects.
Tailor your application to IFP's unique focus on biosecurity and progress acceleration—avoid generic AI safety talking points without linking them to tangible projects.
Show how your proposal leverages IFP's advisory support and team resources, indicating you understand their collaborative model.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your specific project idea for 'The Launch Sequence,' explaining how it accelerates science, strengthens security, or adapts institutions for advanced AI.", 'Evidence of your ability to develop concrete project plans and implement them, with examples from past work.', 'Your experience in connecting with philanthropic funders or co-leads, highlighting relevant networks or successes.', "Why IFP's focus on biosecurity and progress acceleration aligns with your goals, showing you've researched their unique approach."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore IFP's published work and initiatives, especially 'The Launch Sequence' and their biosecurity projects, to understand their priorities.
- → Review the backgrounds of IFP's team and advisors to identify potential synergies with your proposal.
- → Study IFP's approach to 'progress acceleration' and how they differentiate from other think tanks or AI safety organizations.
- → Look into their past funded projects or partnerships to gauge what types of proposals they might favor.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic AI safety proposal without tailoring it to IFP's focus on market failures, policy gaps, or biosecurity.
- Failing to provide concrete examples of project development or implementation experience, leaving ideas overly theoretical.
- Neglecting to address how you'll connect with funders and collaborators, as this is a core responsibility in the 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Institute for Progress!