Application Guide

How to Apply for Research Fellow—Public Philosophy

at The Aspen Institute

🏢 About The Aspen Institute

The Aspen Institute is unique as a nonpartisan forum that drives global climate solutions through dialogue and leadership, not just research. Working here means engaging with influential thinkers and policymakers to translate complex ideas into actionable public discourse. This role offers the rare opportunity to bridge academic philosophy with real-world impact through their Civic Thought Initiative.

About This Role

This Research Fellow role involves producing timely philosophical arguments for national media (2+ pieces monthly) while receiving intensive public writing training. You'll collaborate with Yale University's Civic Thought Initiative through residencies and salon discussions, blending academic research with public engagement on pressing societal issues like technology and humanism.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve morning research on current events for potential philosophical commentary, followed by drafting a public-facing article for media submission. Afternoons could include collaborative sessions with Yale partners via video conference, editing colleagues' work, or preparing for upcoming salon discussions, while balancing administrative tasks related to the initiative's broader programming.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who The Aspen Institute Is Looking For

  • A philosophy PhD (or exceptional journalist) with publications demonstrating expertise in philosophical anthropology, humanism, or technology ethics
  • Proven ability to translate complex philosophical concepts into accessible public writing that engages current news cycles
  • Strong academic research background combined with interest in collaborative, salon-style intellectual discourse
  • Experience balancing long-term academic projects with fast-paced media deadlines and administrative responsibilities

📝 Tips for Applying to The Aspen Institute

1

Submit 2-3 writing samples that demonstrate both academic rigor and public-facing argumentation—ideally including pieces published in media outlets

2

Explicitly connect your philosophical interests to The Aspen Institute's climate focus, showing how your work addresses societal purpose in environmental contexts

3

Highlight any experience with collaborative academic initiatives or residency programs similar to the Yale partnership

4

Quantify your publication output and mention specific media outlets where you've published or aspire to publish

5

Demonstrate familiarity with The Aspen Institute's specific programs beyond climate work, particularly their civic engagement initiatives

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific philosophical approach to issues like technology, humanism, or virtue as they relate to contemporary societal challenges', 'Examples of translating academic philosophy into public discourse, with measurable outcomes (publications, audience reach, etc.)', "How your research interests align with both The Aspen Institute's climate mission and Yale's Civic Thought Initiative", 'Your ability to meet the 2+ monthly publication quota while developing longer-term academic work']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → The Civic Thought Initiative at Yale University—its current projects, participants, and philosophical orientation
  • → Recent Aspen Institute publications on climate and society, particularly those bridging philosophy and policy
  • → The Aspen Institute's specific media partnerships and outlets where fellows typically publish
  • → Previous Research Fellows' career paths and current public philosophy work

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you develop a philosophical argument about AI ethics or climate justice for a mainstream media audience this month?
2 Describe your experience with collaborative academic environments and how you'd contribute to salon-style discussions at Yale
3 What specific philosophical frameworks (e.g., virtue ethics, philosophical anthropology) do you apply to contemporary societal issues?
4 How do you balance rigorous academic research with the demands of news-cycle-driven public writing?
5 Which Aspen Institute programs or publications have influenced your thinking about public philosophy?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting only dense academic papers without showing public writing ability or media experience
  • Failing to connect philosophical interests to The Aspen Institute's climate focus or societal impact mission
  • Presenting as purely an academic without demonstrating interest in collaborative work, residencies, or public engagement

📅 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 The Aspen Institute!

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