Application Guide
How to Apply for Research Awards, Economic Futures Program
at Anthropic
🏢 About Anthropic
Anthropic is a frontier AI research company focused on building safe and beneficial AI systems. Their Economic Futures Program is unique in targeting near-term policy interventions for AI's economic disruptions, making it a high-impact opportunity for researchers who want their work to directly inform senior policymakers.
About This Role
This role involves selecting and conducting original empirical research on AI's economic impacts, with a focus on actionable ideas implementable within 18 months. The work culminates in presenting findings to senior policymakers at symposia, offering a rare chance to shape real-world economic policy.
💡 A Day in the Life
You might start by analyzing labor market data to identify trends in AI-related job displacement, then draft a policy brief summarizing your findings. Afternoon could involve a virtual meeting with the program team to refine a research proposal, followed by preparing slides for an upcoming symposium with senior officials.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Anthropic Is Looking For
- Proven expertise in econometrics and data analysis, with experience in causal inference or quasi-experimental methods.
- Strong track record of original empirical research, including novel data collection or large-scale data analysis.
- Deep knowledge of AI's labor market effects, productivity impacts, or distributional consequences, with familiarity with current debates.
- Excellent presentation skills and comfort engaging with senior policymakers, translating technical findings into policy-relevant insights.
📝 Tips for Applying to Anthropic
Highlight specific empirical research projects where you used econometric methods to analyze AI-related economic questions, and mention the policy implications.
Tailor your proposal to the 18-month implementation horizon—focus on near-term, actionable ideas rather than long-term speculation.
Demonstrate your ability to communicate complex findings to non-experts by including a concise, policy-oriented summary of your past work.
Explicitly connect your research to the symposia in DC and Europe, showing you understand the policy audience and context.
If you have prior experience with government or think tank work, emphasize it; otherwise, show how you can bridge academic research and policy.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your specific econometric skills and how they apply to studying AI's economic impacts.", 'A concrete research idea you would pursue that is implementable within 18 months and relevant to policymakers.', 'Your experience or interest in presenting to high-level audiences, especially in policy settings.', "Alignment with Anthropic's mission of safe AI and the program's goal of navigating economic transformation."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read Anthropic's research on AI safety and their Economic Futures Program materials to understand their approach.
- → Review recent policy papers from organizations like the OECD, IMF, or U.S. Treasury on AI's economic impacts.
- → Familiarize yourself with the symposia format and past participants (e.g., through Anthropic's blog or news coverage).
- → Study the key debates around AI and productivity, such as the Solow paradox or recent evidence on automation.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention the Economic Futures Program or the 18-month focus.
- Overemphasizing theoretical models without showing empirical application or policy relevance.
- Ignoring the presentation requirement—failing to demonstrate communication skills for policymakers.
📅 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!