Application Guide

How to Apply for Research Fellowship

at Heron Program for AI Security

🏢 About Heron Program for AI Security

The Heron Program for AI Security, an initiative from EA Israel, uniquely bridges the gap between cybersecurity expertise and the rapidly evolving field of AI security. By connecting professionals with frontier AI experts, it offers a rare opportunity to work on securing transformative AI systems in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.

About This Role

As a Research Fellow, you will conduct cutting-edge research on security threats to transformative AI systems, collaborating with leading experts to develop defenses. Your work will directly contribute to publishable papers, prototypes, or technical reports that advance the field of AI security, making a tangible impact on the safety of future AI technologies.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reviewing recent AI security literature in the morning, collaborating with a frontier AI expert on a defense mechanism in the afternoon, and writing up findings or prototyping a solution. You'll also attend weekly team meetings to discuss progress and brainstorm new research directions.

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🎯 Who Heron Program for AI Security Is Looking For

  • Has a strong research background in AI security, including experience with adversarial machine learning, robustness, or safety alignment.
  • Can demonstrate a track record of producing publishable research outputs, such as papers at top conferences or technical reports.
  • Possesses excellent collaborative skills, with experience working in interdisciplinary teams or with external experts.
  • Is deeply motivated by the mission of securing transformative AI and proactive in identifying emerging threats.

📝 Tips for Applying to Heron Program for AI Security

1

Tailor your research statement to highlight specific projects or ideas that align with the Heron Program's focus on securing transformative AI, not just general AI safety.

2

Include links to your published papers or preprints, especially those on arXiv or in top venues like NeurIPS, ICML, or S&P.

3

Mention any experience with collaborative research or open-source security tools, as the role emphasizes teamwork with frontier experts.

4

In your cover letter, explicitly state why you are interested in the Heron Program specifically (e.g., its connection to EA Israel or its unique cybersecurity-AI focus).

5

Prepare a short research proposal (1-2 pages) outlining a potential project you'd pursue, referencing the program's mission.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Highlight your specific research experience in AI security, including any relevant publications or projects.', "Express your alignment with the mission of securing transformative AI and your interest in the Heron Program's unique approach.", 'Demonstrate your collaborative skills by describing past work with diverse teams or experts.', 'Show enthusiasm for producing tangible outputs like papers or prototypes, not just theoretical work.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Familiarize yourself with the EA Israel organization and its broader mission in effective altruism.
  • → Review recent publications from the Heron Program or its affiliated researchers on AI security.
  • → Study frontier AI systems like GPT-4, Claude, or Gemini and their known vulnerabilities.
  • → Understand the current landscape of AI security threats, including adversarial attacks, data poisoning, and model theft.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a past research project that had significant security implications for AI systems.
2 How do you prioritize which AI security threats to research?
3 Discuss a recent paper or development in AI security that you find impactful and why.
4 How would you approach collaborating with experts from different backgrounds (e.g., cybersecurity vs. ML)?
5 What is your vision for the future of AI security, and where do you see the Heron Program contributing?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application without tailoring to AI security or the program's focus.
  • Overlooking the collaborative aspect—emphasizing solo work without showing ability to work with experts.
  • Failing to provide concrete examples of research outputs or a clear research direction.

📅 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 Heron Program for AI Security!

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