Application Guide
How to Apply for Research Fellow, Technical Governance Team
at Machine Intelligence Research Institute
🏢 About Machine Intelligence Research Institute
The Machine Intelligence Research Institute (MIRI) is unique for its dual focus on technical AI alignment research and policy/communications work aimed at an 'AI pause.' Unlike purely technical or purely policy organizations, MIRI specifically works at the intersection of these domains, making it a distinctive place for those who want to tackle existential AI risk through both research and real-world governance pathways.
About This Role
This 8-week research fellowship involves designing and executing an independent project on AI governance and existential risk, bridging technical mechanisms (like verification) with political frameworks. It's impactful because you'll contribute directly to MIRI's Technical Governance Team's agenda, potentially informing critical work on how to govern advanced AI systems safely.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve several hours of deep, independent research—reading academic papers, policy documents, or technical reports on topics like AI verification. You'd likely have periodic check-ins with a mentor to discuss progress and receive feedback, and spend time writing or analyzing data to advance your specific project toward actionable insights for the team.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Machine Intelligence Research Institute Is Looking For
- Has a demonstrated ability to conduct self-directed research on AI governance or existential risk, possibly shown through prior writing, projects, or coursework.
- Can manage a 40-hour/week autonomous workload on complex topics that blend technical AI concepts with political/legal considerations.
- Is skilled at scoping a research project that aligns with organizational priorities, such as AI verification or international governance, not just personal interests.
- Is genuinely willing to accept and incorporate guidance from experienced researchers at MIRI, showing collaborative and iterative approach.
📝 Tips for Applying to Machine Intelligence Research Institute
Explicitly mention MIRI's goal of an 'AI pause' and how your research interests align with their policy/technical dual focus—showing you understand their unique mission.
In your application materials, highlight a specific example where you worked autonomously on a complex, interdisciplinary project (especially if it involved technical-political intersections).
Propose a concrete research project idea that fits MIRI's agenda (e.g., 'evaluating verification mechanisms for treaty compliance' or 'modeling international governance scenarios for AI pause'), even if brief, to demonstrate project design skill.
Tailor your application to the Technical Governance Team specifically—mention their work or researchers by name if possible, rather than speaking generically about MIRI.
Emphasize your capacity for a full-time, 8-week deep dive; if you have prior experience with intensive research sprints or fellowships, highlight it.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your specific interest in MIRI's dual technical/policy approach and how it connects to your background or goals.", 'A concrete example of your ability to conduct independent research on AI governance or existential risk topics.', 'Your capacity to work autonomously on complex problems for 40 hours/week, with evidence from past experiences.', "How you would approach designing a research project aligned with the Technical Governance Team's priorities (e.g., suggest a potential topic or area)."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read MIRI's recent publications or blog posts from the Technical Governance Team to understand their current research agenda and priorities.
- → Explore MIRI's stance on 'AI pause' and how they frame it in policy/communications work versus technical research.
- → Look into the backgrounds of key researchers on the Technical Governance Team to understand their expertise and potential mentorship style.
- → Review any public talks or interviews by MIRI staff on AI governance to grasp their specific viewpoints and terminology.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying with a generic interest in AI safety without showing specific knowledge of MIRI's focus on governance/policy or their 'AI pause' goal.
- Proposing a research project that is purely technical (e.g., novel AI algorithms) without connecting it to governance, policy, or existential risk considerations.
- Failing to demonstrate autonomy or self-direction in past experiences, given the role's emphasis on independent work with minimal supervision.
📅 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 Machine Intelligence Research Institute!