Application Guide

How to Apply for Research Manager

at ML Alignment & Theory Scholars (MATS)

🏢 About ML Alignment & Theory Scholars (MATS)

MATS is a unique organization focused specifically on AI safety research and alignment, operating at the intersection of technical research and existential risk mitigation. Unlike general AI companies, MATS concentrates exclusively on preventing catastrophic outcomes from advanced AI systems, offering researchers direct mentorship from leading figures in the field. Working here means contributing directly to one of humanity's most pressing challenges while collaborating with top minds in AI safety.

About This Role

As Research Manager at MATS, you'll accelerate AI safety research by guiding scholars through high-impact projects from conception to completion. This role involves balancing project management with mentorship, strategic planning, and potentially specializing in theory, engineering, or communication aspects of AI safety. Your work directly impacts the pace and quality of research that could determine how humanity navigates the development of advanced AI systems.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve morning check-ins with scholars to troubleshoot research bottlenecks, reviewing project progress against alignment goals, preparing feedback sessions with senior mentors, and contributing to strategic discussions about MATS's research direction. You'd balance direct scholar support with internal projects that improve the program's effectiveness at accelerating high-impact AI safety research.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who ML Alignment & Theory Scholars (MATS) Is Looking For

  • Has 2-5 years of experience specifically managing technical research projects or mentoring researchers in AI/ML, governance, or related fields
  • Demonstrates deep familiarity with AGI safety concepts like value alignment, instrumental convergence, and catastrophic risk scenarios beyond surface-level understanding
  • Combines strong project management skills with genuine empathy and listening abilities to support researchers' technical and career development
  • Can articulate specific examples of driving complex projects to completion while maintaining alignment with existential risk reduction goals

📝 Tips for Applying to ML Alignment & Theory Scholars (MATS)

1

Explicitly connect your past experience to AI safety contexts - if you've managed research projects, explain how those skills transfer to managing AI alignment research specifically

2

Demonstrate your understanding of MATS's niche by referencing specific AI safety researchers, papers, or concepts that MATS focuses on (like Paul Christiano's work, MIRI's research agenda, or specific alignment problems)

3

Highlight any experience with distributed or remote research teams, as MATS likely coordinates scholars across locations

4

Show how you've previously accelerated research outcomes - provide metrics or specific examples where your management directly increased research impact

5

Tailor your application to MATS's mission-driven culture by explaining your personal motivation for AI safety work beyond professional interest

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific understanding of AI safety challenges and how this role addresses them', 'Concrete examples of accelerating research projects or mentoring researchers in technical fields', 'How your background in project/people management applies to guiding AI safety scholars', "Your alignment with MATS's mission and vision for reducing catastrophic AI risk"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → MATS's current and past scholars - understand what types of researchers they support and their typical projects
  • → The specific AI safety research areas MATS emphasizes (check their publications, blog posts, or scholar profiles)
  • → MATS's organizational structure and how research managers fit into their mentorship model
  • → Key figures in MATS's network and their views on AI safety priorities

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you handle a scholar who is making technically solid progress but on a research direction you believe has lower impact for AI safety?
2 Describe your approach to providing critical feedback to senior researchers or domain experts when you're not the technical expert in the room
3 What specific AI safety research directions do you find most promising or urgent, and why?
4 How would you structure support for a scholar transitioning from theoretical alignment research to more applied governance work?
5 Can you walk through how you'd help a scholar who is stuck on a technical problem while maintaining project timelines?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Treating this as a generic research management role without demonstrating specific AI safety knowledge
  • Focusing only on project management methodologies without connecting them to accelerating AI safety research outcomes
  • Showing superficial understanding of AI safety concepts or treating them as interchangeable with general AI ethics

📅 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!

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Good luck with your application to ML Alignment & Theory Scholars (MATS)!

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