Application Guide

How to Apply for Research Scholar

at Centre for the Governance of AI (GovAI)

🏢 About Centre for the Governance of AI (GovAI)

The Centre for the Governance of AI (GovAI) is a unique research organization focused specifically on ensuring artificial intelligence develops safely and benefits humanity long-term. Unlike general AI research labs, GovAI concentrates exclusively on governance, policy, and societal impact questions, making it a hub for those who want to shape AI's trajectory through research and direct policy engagement. Working here offers the chance to influence global AI governance at a critical juncture in the technology's development.

About This Role

As a Research Scholar at GovAI, you'll conduct original research on AI governance topics that could include technical safety standards, international policy frameworks, or societal impact assessments. This role is impactful because you'll directly advise policymakers and produce research that shapes how governments and organizations approach AI governance globally. You'll have the opportunity to launch new initiatives and convene stakeholders around pressing governance questions.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve analyzing recent AI policy developments from governments or international organizations, drafting sections of a research paper on AI safety standards, and preparing for a meeting with policymakers to discuss governance frameworks. You could spend the afternoon collaborating remotely with other GovAI researchers on a joint publication and then participate in a virtual convening of stakeholders around a specific governance challenge.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who Centre for the Governance of AI (GovAI) Is Looking For

  • Has demonstrable expertise in a specific domain relevant to AI governance such as international relations, technical AI safety, economics of automation, or AI ethics and law
  • Can point to concrete examples of excellent work produced, whether academic publications, policy memos, research reports, or successful project outcomes
  • Demonstrates a nuanced understanding of GovAI's mission and can articulate a specific vision for how they would contribute to shaping AI's long-term impacts
  • Shows evidence of being able to work independently on research while also engaging with diverse stakeholders including policymakers, academics, and technical experts

📝 Tips for Applying to Centre for the Governance of AI (GovAI)

1

Explicitly connect your past work to specific AI governance challenges mentioned in GovAI's publications, such as international coordination, technical safety standards, or AI's economic impacts

2

Include a specific research proposal or project idea that aligns with GovAI's current focus areas visible in their recent publications and blog posts

3

Demonstrate familiarity with GovAI's team members and their research by referencing specific papers or projects in your application materials

4

Quantify your 'impressive results' with concrete metrics - for example, 'my policy memo was cited in 3 government reports' or 'my research influenced a $2M funding decision'

5

Explain exactly how this contract position fits into your long-term career trajectory in AI governance, showing you understand this is a stepping stone to greater impact

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your specific interest in GovAI's mission and how it aligns with your values and career goals in AI governance", "Concrete examples of research or projects you've completed that demonstrate your ability to produce excellent work on complex topics", "How your particular domain expertise (whether technical, policy, or social science) would contribute to GovAI's research agenda", 'A clear explanation of how this position specifically would help you achieve large-scale impact in AI governance']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read at least 3-4 recent GovAI publications or blog posts to understand their current research priorities and methodological approaches
  • → Research GovAI's team members and their backgrounds to understand the interdisciplinary nature of their work
  • → Review GovAI's partnerships and policy engagements to understand how they translate research into real-world impact
  • → Understand the UK's position on AI governance and how GovAI fits into the broader UK and European AI policy landscape

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Your specific research interests within AI governance and how they align with GovAI's current priorities
2 How you would approach advising a policymaker on a pressing AI governance issue like international coordination or safety standards
3 Examples of how you've convened stakeholders or launched initiatives in past roles
4 Your thoughts on the most urgent AI governance challenges over the next 2-3 years
5 How you would measure the impact of your research at GovAI beyond just publications
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying with only generic interest in AI rather than specific knowledge of governance challenges
  • Failing to articulate how this contract position specifically advances your ability to have large-scale impact in AI governance
  • Submitting generic research proposals that don't engage with GovAI's existing work or current priorities

📅 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 Centre for the Governance of AI (GovAI)!

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