How to apply for Researcher / Senior Researcher, Misuse Risks

About Safe AI Forum

The Safe AI Forum (SAIF) is a unique non-profit dedicated to fostering responsible governance of AI to reduce catastrophic risks, with a specific focus on bridging Western and Chinese ecosystems. Working here means directly influencing global AI safety policy through high-level dialogue and consensus-building, rather than just research or advocacy.

About the role

As a Researcher/Senior Researcher on Misuse Risks, you will own SAIF's programs on extreme misuse risks, such as biosecurity and cyber threats, by running working-level dialogues between Western and Chinese experts. You will set agendas, recruit participants, and translate discussions into consensus artifacts and policy documents, directly shaping organizational strategy and global AI governance.

A typical day

A typical day might involve coordinating with experts across time zones to plan an upcoming dialogue, drafting a consensus document based on recent discussions, and researching the latest AI misuse risk developments in both the US and China. You might also meet with SAIF leadership to refine strategy and ensure programs are on track to produce impactful outcomes.

Who Safe AI Forum is looking for

• Demonstrated experience in Track II diplomacy or working-level dialogues between Western and Chinese stakeholders, with a deep understanding of both ecosystems' AI safety landscapes.
• Strong background in AI misuse risks (e.g., biosecurity, cyber, disinformation) and the ability to scope and deliver technical governance research.
• Proven ability to convene interdisciplinary experts and drive consensus, with excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and preferably Mandarin.
• Strategic thinker who can develop and drive organizational strategy through clear analysis, and maintain momentum in long-term programs.

Tips for this application

• Highlight any experience you have working with Chinese AI safety experts or institutions, as SAIF specifically values cross-ecosystem collaboration.
• In your resume, quantify the impact of dialogues or consensus documents you've helped produce, e.g., 'Led a working group of 15 experts that resulted in a joint policy brief adopted by X organizations.'
• Demonstrate familiarity with SAIF's existing publications and programs on misuse risks; reference them in your cover letter to show you understand their approach.
• If you have technical research experience in AI misuse risks, provide concrete examples of how your work informed policy or governance discussions.
• Since the role is remote, emphasize your ability to work independently and coordinate across time zones, especially with stakeholders in China and the US.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your specific experience in facilitating dialogues or consensus-building between Western and Chinese AI safety communities, including any language skills.', "Your understanding of extreme misuse risks in AI (e.g., biosecurity, cyber) and how you've contributed to technical governance research in these areas.", "Your ability to develop and drive strategy, with examples of how you've shaped organizational direction in previous roles.", 'Your motivation to work at SAIF specifically, showing alignment with their mission and a clear understanding of their unique approach to AI governance.']

Research before applying

• Review SAIF's website, reports, and any published consensus documents to understand their past work on misuse risks and their network of experts.
• Research key AI safety initiatives and policies in both the US and China, including government strategies, academic centers, and industry practices related to misuse risks.
• Identify potential participants and stakeholders that SAIF might engage with, such as experts from think tanks, universities, and companies in both ecosystems.
• Understand the broader landscape of AI governance organizations and how SAIF differentiates itself, particularly its focus on Track II diplomacy.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How would you approach setting the agenda for a working-level dialogue on AI misuse risks between Western and Chinese experts?
• Can you describe a time when you successfully built consensus among diverse stakeholders on a contentious technical or policy issue?
• What are the key differences in how Western and Chinese ecosystems approach AI misuse risks, and how would you bridge them?
• How would you scope and deliver a technical governance research project on a specific misuse risk, such as biosecurity?
• What strategies would you use to maintain momentum in a long-term dialogue program and ensure tangible outcomes?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Focusing only on technical AI research without demonstrating experience in policy, diplomacy, or consensus-building.
• Showing a lack of cultural sensitivity or understanding of the Chinese AI ecosystem, which could undermine your ability to bridge differences.
• Being vague about your strategic contributions; SAIF wants someone who can drive organizational direction, so avoid generic statements about 'helping with research'.