Application Guide

How to Apply for Research Manager

at Center on Long-Term Risk

🏢 About Center on Long-Term Risk

The Center on Long-Term Risk (CLR) is a unique nonprofit focused on reducing worst-case risks from advanced AI, particularly 's-risks' (suffering risks). It combines research, community-building, and grantmaking with a long-termist perspective, making it an ideal workplace for mission-driven individuals passionate about AI safety and existential risk reduction.

About This Role

As a Research Manager, you will directly support CLR's Research Affiliates by providing 1:1 mentorship, feedback on research direction and writing, and organizing community events. This role is impactful because it enables independent researchers to produce high-quality work that addresses critical AI risks, while fostering a collaborative community.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with reviewing recent research outputs from affiliates and preparing for 1:1 meetings. You'll spend part of the day in coaching sessions, providing feedback on papers or research plans, and later coordinate logistics for an upcoming community event. The rest of the day involves administrative tasks, updating resources, and engaging with affiliates via Slack or email.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Center on Long-Term Risk Is Looking For

  • Experienced in research management, preferably in AI safety or a related technical field, with a track record of mentoring researchers.
  • Possesses strong coaching and communication skills to provide constructive feedback on research outputs and career development.
  • Highly organized and capable of planning events such as discussion groups, talks, and blog series to engage affiliates.
  • Familiar with long-termist concepts and s-risks, and aligned with CLR's mission to reduce catastrophic risks from AI.

📝 Tips for Applying to Center on Long-Term Risk

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific experience in research management, especially mentoring or supervising independent researchers.

2

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your skills to CLR's mission of reducing s-risks from AI, showing genuine interest in long-termist causes.

3

Provide concrete examples of how you've improved research outputs or helped researchers overcome obstacles in previous roles.

4

Mention any experience organizing academic or professional events, and how you can apply that to CLR's affiliate community.

5

Research CLR's published work on s-risks and AI governance, and reference specific projects or papers in your application to demonstrate engagement.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Emphasize your alignment with CLR's mission to reduce worst-case AI risks and your understanding of s-risks.", 'Highlight your experience in research management, particularly in providing constructive feedback and coaching.', 'Showcase your ability to organize community events and foster collaboration among researchers.', "Demonstrate your proactive approach to unblocking obstacles and supporting researchers' career development."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read CLR's key publications on s-risks, such as 'S-Risks: An Introduction' and their AI governance research.
  • → Familiarize yourself with CLR's Research Affiliate program and current affiliates' projects.
  • → Understand the broader AI safety landscape and how CLR's work fits into organizations like MIRI, FHI, or OpenAI.
  • → Review CLR's blog and event archives to understand their community-building approach.
Visit Center on Long-Term Risk's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you structure a 1:1 meeting with a Research Affiliate to provide effective feedback on their research direction?
2 Describe a time you helped a researcher overcome a significant obstacle. What was your approach?
3 How do you stay updated on developments in AI safety and s-risks?
4 What types of events would you organize to foster community among affiliates, and how would you measure their success?
5 How do you balance providing constructive criticism while maintaining positive relationships with researchers?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application without showing specific knowledge of CLR's mission or s-risks.
  • Focusing too much on general management skills without demonstrating experience in research or technical fields.
  • Neglecting to provide concrete examples of mentoring or feedback delivery in past roles.

📅 Application Timeline

⏰ Deadline: August 9, 2026

We recommend applying at least a few days early to avoid last-minute technical issues.

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 Center on Long-Term Risk!

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