Application Guide
How to Apply for Research Assistant
at Forecasting Research Institute
🏢 About Forecasting Research Institute
Forecasting Research Institute (FRI) is a leader in developing rigorous forecasting methods to improve decision-making under uncertainty. Their focus on empirical research and large-scale forecasting tournaments sets them apart from typical think tanks. Working here means contributing to cutting-edge research that directly informs real-world decisions.
About This Role
As a part-time Research Assistant, you will support project leads in designing experiments, analyzing data, and distilling complex topics into forecastable questions. Your work will directly impact the quality of forecasting tournaments and the insights they generate. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys bridging research and practical application.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve reading a research paper to extract key uncertainties, then drafting a set of forecastable questions for an upcoming tournament. You might also respond to forecaster queries via Slack or email, and later run statistical analyses on forecast accuracy data to inform experiment design.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Forecasting Research Institute Is Looking For
- Has strong research skills, including experience with literature reviews and experimental design.
- Can distill complex, technical topics into clear, testable questions (e.g., from geopolitics to AI).
- Is comfortable with data analysis (e.g., using Python, R, or Excel) and interpreting forecast data.
- Possesses excellent written communication for drafting tournament questions and responding to forecaster queries.
📝 Tips for Applying to Forecasting Research Institute
Tailor your resume to highlight any experience with forecasting, prediction markets, or decision science.
Include a specific example of how you've distilled a complex topic into a clear question or hypothesis.
Mention any familiarity with FRI's past tournaments or publications in your cover letter.
If you have coding skills, list them explicitly and note any statistical analysis projects.
Submit a brief writing sample that demonstrates clarity and conciseness (e.g., a short research summary).
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Emphasize your ability to synthesize complex information and turn it into actionable questions.', 'Highlight any experience with experimental design, data analysis, or forecasting research.', "Express enthusiasm for improving decision-making under uncertainty and FRI's mission.", 'Show that you understand the iterative nature of refining questions based on forecaster feedback.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review FRI's past tournament reports and published papers on forecasting methods.
- → Understand the concept of 'superforecasting' and how FRI's approach differs from others.
- → Familiarize yourself with the types of topics FRI covers (e.g., AI, geopolitics, pandemics).
- → Look into the team structure and key researchers (e.g., Philip Tetlock, if relevant).
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic application without referencing FRI's specific work or tournaments.
- Overstating technical skills without concrete examples (e.g., 'proficient in Python' without projects).
- Ignoring the part-time nature and not indicating availability or flexibility.
📅 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 Forecasting Research Institute!