Application Guide

How to Apply for Research Internship

at Lakera AI

🏢 About Lakera AI

Lakera AI specializes in AI and LLM safety and security, positioning itself at the forefront of developing safeguards for advanced AI systems. The company's mission to 'set new standards for a more secure, intelligent world' suggests a focus on proactive, cutting-edge research rather than reactive security measures, making it attractive for those passionate about shaping ethical AI development.

About This Role

This Research Internship involves conducting original research in AI/ML safety domains, specifically focusing on LLM vulnerabilities and security frameworks. You'll contribute directly to establishing new safety standards and protocols that could influence how AI systems are developed and deployed globally, making this role impactful for both immediate security improvements and long-term AI governance.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reviewing recent AI safety literature, collaborating with team members on experimental design for security testing, implementing and analyzing experiments on LLM vulnerabilities, and contributing to research documentation. You'd likely participate in regular syncs to align on research priorities and share findings with the broader safety team.

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🎯 Who Lakera AI Is Looking For

  • Has hands-on research experience in specific AI safety subfields like adversarial attacks, robustness testing, or alignment problems in LLMs
  • Demonstrates ability to rapidly prototype and test security hypotheses in collaborative, fast-paced research settings
  • Can analyze complex AI security problems and propose novel, practical solutions backed by empirical evidence
  • Shows genuine passion for AI safety beyond academic interest, with awareness of current industry challenges and debates

📝 Tips for Applying to Lakera AI

1

Highlight specific AI safety research projects or papers you've contributed to, emphasizing methodologies and findings relevant to LLM security

2

Demonstrate familiarity with Lakera AI's research direction by referencing their public work or stated safety priorities in your application

3

Showcase experience with fast-paced research environments through examples of rapid iteration or collaborative problem-solving

4

Include concrete examples of analytical problem-solving in AI security contexts, not just theoretical knowledge

5

Tailor your application to emphasize how your research skills directly address the 'crafting a safer AI future' mission

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Specific AI safety research experience and how it prepares you for Lakera's focus areas", 'Understanding of current LLM security challenges and your perspective on addressing them', 'Examples of successful collaboration in fast-paced research environments', "Alignment with Lakera's mission to set new standards in AI security"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review Lakera AI's public research, blog posts, or whitepapers to understand their technical approach to AI safety
  • → Investigate the company's positioning in the AI security landscape and their stated safety priorities
  • → Research the backgrounds of Lakera's research team to understand their expertise and potential mentorship opportunities
  • → Understand current industry debates about LLM safety that Lakera might be addressing

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Discuss your most relevant AI safety research project and its implications for LLM security
2 How would you approach identifying novel vulnerabilities in current LLM architectures?
3 Describe a time you had to rapidly adapt research direction based on new findings or team input
4 What current trends in AI safety do you believe are most critical for Lakera to address?
5 How would you balance theoretical safety research with practical, deployable security solutions?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying with generic AI/ML experience without specific safety or security focus
  • Failing to demonstrate understanding of the practical challenges in AI safety implementation
  • Presenting theoretical knowledge without evidence of hands-on research or problem-solving in safety domains

📅 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 Lakera AI!

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