Application Guide
How to Apply for Research Scientist – Cyber Risk Modeling
at Safer AI
🏢 About Safer AI
Safer AI appears focused on AI safety and cyber risk modeling, specifically addressing emerging AI-enabled threats. The company likely operates at the intersection of cybersecurity, AI research, and risk quantification, potentially working with government agencies and AI safety institutes. This unique niche makes it appealing for researchers wanting to tackle novel AI risks with real-world impact.
About This Role
This Research Scientist will lead cyber risk modeling efforts, developing AI-enhanced models to cover broader risk areas and novel AI-specific threats. The role involves maintaining existing models, integrating defense effects and LLM benchmarks, and presenting findings to key stakeholders like cyber agencies. It's impactful because it directly addresses evolving AI-enabled cyber risks that traditional models may miss.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve analyzing new LLM capabilities to update risk models, coding enhancements to existing cyber risk frameworks, and preparing model documentation for partner presentations. You'd likely collaborate with AI safety researchers to incorporate their findings into risk quantification while ensuring models reflect the latest observed attack patterns.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Safer AI Is Looking For
- Has published AI/cybersecurity research (papers, reports, or open-source projects) demonstrating modeling expertise
- Can show programming experience with data science/AI libraries (e.g., Python, PyTorch, scikit-learn) for model development
- Possesses experience quantifying cyber risks or AI system failures, not just theoretical knowledge
- Demonstrates ability to translate technical models into actionable insights for non-technical stakeholders
📝 Tips for Applying to Safer AI
Highlight specific AI risk modeling projects, especially those involving LLMs or novel attack vectors
Show how you've integrated real-world data into models (e.g., threat intelligence, incident reports)
Mention experience with cyber defense integration in risk models, not just attack modeling
Provide examples of presenting technical models to government/agency audiences
Include links to research papers, GitHub repos, or blog posts about AI/cyber risk topics
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Explain your approach to modeling 'uniquely enabled AI risks' beyond traditional cyber threats", "Describe how you've maintained/updated models to reflect 'real world observed dynamics'", 'Highlight experience with LLM capabilities assessment and benchmarking in risk contexts', "Show understanding of Safer AI's likely mission to bridge AI safety and cyber risk"]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Look for Safer AI's publications, blog posts, or conference talks on AI risk topics
- → Research their potential partners (UK cyber agencies, AI safety institutes) to understand their needs
- → Investigate current AI-enabled cyber threats that traditional models might miss
- → Explore existing cyber risk modeling frameworks they might be building upon
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing only on traditional cyber risks without addressing AI-specific vulnerabilities
- Presenting purely theoretical models without real-world validation considerations
- Failing to demonstrate how you'd integrate defenses/mitigations into risk calculations
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!