Application Guide

How to Apply for Researcher, AI Cognition Initiative, Economics Focus

at Rethink Priorities

🏢 About Rethink Priorities

Rethink Priorities is a nonprofit dedicated to identifying the most effective ways to improve the lives of people and animals, using rigorous research to guide philanthropic and policy decisions. Working here means contributing to high-impact projects in a collaborative, mission-driven environment that values intellectual curiosity and evidence-based analysis.

About This Role

As a Researcher on the AI Cognition Initiative with an economics focus, you will design and conduct surveys and quantitative studies to understand public and expert perspectives on AI-related policy issues, analyze economic implications, and produce actionable research for policymakers. Your work will directly inform decisions on how to mitigate risks and maximize benefits from AI, addressing a critical and neglected area.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reviewing recent literature on AI economics, designing a survey to gauge expert opinions on AI risk, and analyzing pilot data in R or Python. You'll likely have a team check-in to discuss progress on a policy brief, followed by writing up findings for a report aimed at foundation decision-makers.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Rethink Priorities Is Looking For

  • An economist or social scientist with strong quantitative skills, including experience designing surveys, polls, and analyzing large datasets (e.g., using R, Stata, or Python).
  • Able to synthesize complex policy analyses and economic trade-offs into clear, concise reports for non-specialist audiences.
  • Deeply interested in AI governance, existential risk, or effective altruism, with a desire to work on neglected but high-impact topics.
  • Collaborative and self-motivated, comfortable working remotely and contributing to a small, interdisciplinary team.

📝 Tips for Applying to Rethink Priorities

1

Highlight any experience with survey design, especially on topics like risk perception or technology policy, and mention specific tools (e.g., Qualtrics, MTurk).

2

Show your familiarity with Rethink Priorities' work by referencing a specific report or project (e.g., their research on animal welfare or AI timelines).

3

Emphasize your ability to translate economic concepts into policy recommendations, as this role bridges economics and real-world impact.

4

If you have a background in effective altruism or existential risk, explicitly mention it and explain how it aligns with the mission.

5

Submit a writing sample that demonstrates quantitative reasoning and policy analysis, ideally on a topic related to AI, technology, or public goods.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your motivation for working on AI cognition and neglected issues, linking it to the company's mission of doing the most good.", 'Specific quantitative research experience (e.g., surveys, polls, econometric analysis) and how it applies to understanding AI-related policy.', 'Your ability to communicate complex findings to policymakers, with examples of past reports or publications.', 'Your collaborative mindset and experience working in remote or interdisciplinary teams.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read Rethink Priorities' published research on AI, such as their work on AI timelines or AI welfare, to understand their methodology and focus.
  • → Explore their 'Worldview and Policy' research area to see how they approach complex trade-offs.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the AI Cognition Initiative's goals and how economics fits into their broader agenda.
  • → Look into the effective altruism community's debates on AI risk and prioritization, as this context is key to the role.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you design a survey to measure public opinion on AI regulation, and what economic factors would you consider?
2 Describe a time you used quantitative data to inform a policy recommendation. What challenges did you face?
3 How do you prioritize among different research questions when resources are limited?
4 What do you see as the most important economic implications of advanced AI, and how should policymakers address them?
5 How would you ensure your research is both rigorous and accessible to non-experts?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application that doesn't reference Rethink Priorities' specific mission or projects.
  • Overemphasizing technical skills without connecting them to policy impact or the organization's values.
  • Ignoring the 'neglected topics' aspect—this role seeks candidates who are passionate about under-researched issues, not just mainstream economics.

📅 Application Timeline

⏰ Deadline: June 12, 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!

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Good luck with your application to Rethink Priorities!

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