Application Guide
How to Apply for Research Manager, AIxHardware
at ERA
🏢 About ERA
ERA is a nonprofit that runs an in-person, 8-week summer research fellowship at the University of Cambridge focused on mitigating risks from frontier AI. It uniquely combines academic rigor with hands-on project development, offering a collaborative environment to work on high-impact AI safety challenges.
About This Role
As Research Manager for the AIxHardware track, you will oversee the fellowship from application to project completion, guiding fellows in scoping research at the intersection of AI and hardware. This role is impactful because you directly shape projects that could influence how AI systems are built and secured.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve reviewing fellowship applications in the morning, then meeting with current fellows to discuss their project progress and any blockers. Afternoons could include coordinating with mentors, refining project scopes, and preparing feedback for the next cohort.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who ERA Is Looking For
- Proven experience managing research projects or fellowships, ideally in AI or hardware domains.
- Deep understanding of AI safety principles and hardware security challenges (e.g., chip-level vulnerabilities, secure enclaves).
- Strong mentoring skills with the ability to provide constructive feedback on research proposals and technical writing.
- Highly organized, able to juggle multiple projects and coordinate mentors, fellows, and external stakeholders.
📝 Tips for Applying to ERA
Tailor your CV to highlight specific examples of managing research projects, especially those involving AI or hardware.
In your cover letter, explicitly connect your experience to ERA's mission of mitigating frontier AI risks.
Include a brief statement on how you would evaluate a research proposal in the AIxHardware space.
Demonstrate familiarity with ERA's past fellowship projects or similar initiatives (e.g., MATS, SERI MATS).
Mention any experience with hardware security or AI chip design, even if from coursework or side projects.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your passion for AI safety and hardware alignment, and why ERA's mission resonates with you.", "Specific examples of how you've mentored researchers or managed projects to successful completion.", 'Your approach to scoping research projects that are both ambitious and achievable within 8 weeks.', 'Any technical knowledge in AI hardware (e.g., TPUs, GPUs, secure computation) and how it applies to risk mitigation.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read ERA's website and blog to understand their fellowship structure and past projects.
- → Study the AIxHardware research landscape: key papers, labs (e.g., MIT, Stanford), and open problems.
- → Look into the University of Cambridge's AI safety groups (e.g., Center for the Study of Existential Risk).
- → Review the work of potential mentors or advisors associated with ERA.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic application that doesn't mention AI safety or hardware specifically.
- Overlooking the 8-week timeline: proposing projects that are too ambitious or vague.
- Failing to demonstrate mentoring experience or ability to give constructive feedback.
📅 Application Timeline
⏰ Deadline: May 31, 2026
We recommend applying at least a few days early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!