Application Guide

How to Apply for Research Fellow (Technical Governance Team)

at Machine Intelligence Research Institute (MIRI)

🏢 About Machine Intelligence Research Institute (MIRI)

The Machine Intelligence Research Institute (MIRI) is a leading nonprofit research organization focused exclusively on ensuring that advanced artificial intelligence has a positive impact. Unlike many AI labs, MIRI prioritizes long-term safety and alignment research over near-term commercial applications, making it unique for researchers dedicated to existential risk reduction. Working at MIRI offers the opportunity to contribute directly to foundational work in AI governance alongside experts in the field.

About This Role

As a Research Fellow on the Technical Governance Team, you'll conduct original research on frameworks for governing advanced AI systems, focusing on safety and alignment methodologies. This role involves collaborating closely with team members on projects that could shape future AI policy and technical standards. Your work will directly contribute to MIRI's mission of ensuring beneficial AI outcomes through publications and thought leadership.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve analyzing recent AI safety literature, developing frameworks for evaluating model alignment, and collaborating with team members on research projects through virtual meetings. You could spend time writing research memos, contributing to publications, or designing methodologies for technical governance challenges, with flexibility to structure independent research time around core priorities.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Machine Intelligence Research Institute (MIRI) Is Looking For

  • Has published research in AI/ML or technical governance, with demonstrable expertise in AI safety concepts like corrigibility, robustness, or value alignment
  • Can point to specific projects where they conducted independent research and analysis on technical governance questions
  • Possesses strong communication skills evidenced by technical papers, blog posts, or presentations that translate complex AI concepts for varied audiences
  • Shows familiarity with MIRI's research agenda and can articulate how their work aligns with the institute's focus on long-term AI safety

📝 Tips for Applying to Machine Intelligence Research Institute (MIRI)

1

Highlight specific AI safety concepts you've worked with (e.g., adversarial robustness, interpretability, or reward modeling) and how they relate to governance

2

Include links to relevant publications, blog posts, or GitHub repositories that demonstrate your research on AI alignment or governance

3

Tailor your resume to emphasize independent research projects and analytical work, quantifying impact where possible

4

Demonstrate knowledge of MIRI's existing research by referencing specific papers or positions in your application materials

5

Show how your background bridges technical AI/ML expertise with governance thinking, as this role requires both skill sets

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Explain your specific interest in MIRI's technical governance approach versus other AI safety organizations", 'Describe a past research project where you developed frameworks or methodologies for AI safety/alignment', "Articulate how your skills would contribute to MIRI's publications and thought leadership in AI governance", "Connect your experience to the Technical Governance Team's likely research directions based on MIRI's public work"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read MIRI's recent publications on AI governance and alignment to understand their research focus
  • → Review the Technical Governance Team's public work or team members' backgrounds if available
  • → Study MIRI's mission statement and research philosophy to align your application with their values
  • → Familiarize yourself with key AI safety concepts that MIRI emphasizes, such as agent foundations or corrigibility

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Your understanding of key technical governance challenges for advanced AI systems
2 Specific methodologies you would propose for evaluating AI alignment in governance contexts
3 How you would approach a research project on developing safety frameworks for frontier AI models
4 Your thoughts on MIRI's research priorities and how you would contribute to them
5 Examples of independent research you've conducted and how you communicated the findings
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing primarily on near-term AI ethics or fairness without addressing long-term safety and alignment concerns
  • Presenting generic AI/ML experience without connecting it to governance or safety applications
  • Failing to demonstrate familiarity with MIRI's specific research agenda and technical approach

📅 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 Machine Intelligence Research Institute (MIRI)!

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