Application Guide

How to Apply for Safe Pareto Improvements Fundamentals Program

at Center on Long-Term Risk

🏢 About Center on Long-Term Risk

The Center on Long-Term Risk (CLR) is a unique nonprofit focused on reducing worst-case risks from advanced AI, specifically s-risks (suffering risks). Unlike many AI safety organizations, CLR emphasizes rigorous conceptual and empirical research to identify robust interventions, such as Safe Pareto Improvements, making it a intellectually stimulating environment for those concerned with the far future.

About This Role

This role involves teaching a 4-week fundamentals program on Safe Pareto Improvements (SPIs), a strategy to mitigate AI conflict risks. You will guide participants through game theory foundations, bargaining problems, and canonical SPI examples, with weekly readings and discussions. The impact lies in equipping a new cohort of researchers with tools to address critical AI safety challenges, potentially influencing the trajectory of long-term risk reduction.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reviewing weekly readings and preparing discussion questions for the Slack channel, hosting a 1-hour office hours session to answer participant questions, and providing feedback on exercises. You'll also coordinate with CLR staff to ensure smooth program delivery and may spend time brainstorming how to improve participant engagement.

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🎯 Who Center on Long-Term Risk Is Looking For

  • Has a strong interest in AI safety and long-term risk reduction, with enthusiasm for reducing s-risks.
  • Possesses a background in game theory, bargaining, or related fields, or has demonstrated ability to quickly grasp these concepts.
  • Can commit 5-7 hours per week for four weeks, including leading office hours and facilitating Slack discussions.
  • Is comfortable teaching and engaging with participants of varying experience levels, adapting materials as needed.

📝 Tips for Applying to Center on Long-Term Risk

1

Tailor your application to highlight any teaching or facilitation experience, especially in technical or AI safety contexts.

2

Demonstrate your understanding of SPIs by briefly mentioning how you would explain a canonical example (e.g., surrogate goals) to a novice.

3

Show enthusiasm for CLR's specific focus on s-risks; mention any relevant reading or projects you've done.

4

If you lack a formal game theory background, emphasize your ability to learn quickly and provide examples of self-study in complex topics.

5

Submit your application early to show strong interest and commitment.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your motivation for teaching SPIs and why you believe this intervention is important for AI safety.', 'Your background in game theory, bargaining, or related fields, with concrete examples of applying these concepts.', 'Your teaching or mentoring experience, especially in remote or part-time settings.', "Your alignment with CLR's mission to reduce s-risks and your long-term commitment to this cause."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read CLR's key publications on SPIs, such as 'Safe Pareto Improvements for AI' or related blog posts.
  • → Understand the distinction between s-risks and other AI risks (e.g., existential risks from misalignment).
  • → Familiarize yourself with the program's structure by reviewing any available past materials or syllabi.
  • → Learn about CLR's other programs and how this fundamentals program fits into their broader strategy.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Explain a canonical SPI example (e.g., surrogate goals or delegated game-playing) as if to a new participant.
2 How would you handle a participant who struggles with the game theory foundations?
3 What do you think is the most promising SPI approach for reducing AI conflict risks?
4 Describe a time you facilitated a discussion on a complex topic; what challenges did you face?
5 Why are you specifically interested in CLR's approach compared to other AI safety organizations?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application that doesn't reference CLR or SPIs specifically.
  • Overstating your game theory expertise without backing it up with examples or coursework.
  • Neglecting to mention your availability or commitment to the weekly schedule.
  • Focusing only on your desire to learn rather than your ability to teach and facilitate.

📅 Application Timeline

⏰ Deadline: July 24, 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!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Center on Long-Term Risk!

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