Application Guide
How to Apply for Senior Advisor, Advanced Guardrails for AI-Induced Incidents
at Institute for Security and Technology (IST)
🏢 About Institute for Security and Technology (IST)
The Institute for Security and Technology (IST) is a nonprofit think tank that develops pragmatic policy solutions for emerging technology risks, with a particular focus on AI governance and biosecurity. Unlike many policy organizations, IST bridges the gap between technical research and actionable governance frameworks, often working directly with government and industry stakeholders. This role offers a rare chance to shape global AI safety policy at a time when loss-of-control risks are increasingly urgent.
About This Role
As a Senior Advisor, you will lead research on AI loss-of-control scenarios, assess prevention and response strategies, and convene multidisciplinary experts to stress-test safeguards. You will translate complex technical findings into policy recommendations that influence decision-makers in government and industry. This part-time, remote position is ideal for someone who wants to make a high-impact contribution to AI safety without a full-time commitment.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve reviewing the latest research on AI loss-of-control, drafting a policy brief on safeguards, and preparing for an upcoming expert workshop by coordinating with participants. You might also join a call with government stakeholders to discuss incident response protocols, then synthesize insights into actionable recommendations for IST's leadership. The work is highly collaborative yet independent, with a focus on turning cutting-edge research into real-world impact.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Institute for Security and Technology (IST) Is Looking For
- Holds an advanced degree (PhD preferred) in Computer Science, Machine Learning, or AI Safety, with at least five years of hands-on experience in red teaming or technical AI governance.
- Has a proven track record of convening diverse stakeholders—researchers, AI developers, and government officials—to collaborate on risk mitigation and incident response.
- Demonstrates deep familiarity with AI loss-of-control literature and existing prevention frameworks, and can critically assess their technical and institutional feasibility.
- Excels at communicating technical risk to non-technical audiences, with experience authoring policy briefs, reports, or op-eds that drive action.
📝 Tips for Applying to Institute for Security and Technology (IST)
Highlight concrete examples of red teaming or AI safety research you've led, especially any work related to loss-of-control or extreme risks—IST values demonstrated expertise over general interest.
Show that you understand IST's unique niche: they don't just publish papers; they convene and translate. Describe instances where you facilitated expert workshops or simulations that led to tangible policy outcomes.
Tailor your cover letter to IST's focus areas (AI governance and biosecurity). Mention specific IST publications or initiatives you admire and explain how your background aligns with their mission.
Because the role is part-time and remote, emphasize your ability to work independently, manage projects asynchronously, and collaborate effectively across time zones.
If you have existing relationships with key AI safety researchers or government contacts, mention them—IST values networks that can be leveraged for convening and dissemination.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your direct experience with AI loss-of-control research or red teaming, including specific projects, methodologies, and outcomes.', 'Your ability to bridge technical and policy domains: give an example of translating a complex AI risk concept into a policy recommendation that was adopted or influenced decisions.', 'Your experience convening multidisciplinary groups—detail a workshop, tabletop exercise, or working group you organized and the impact it had.', "Your alignment with IST's mission and why you want to contribute to their AI governance portfolio specifically, not just any AI safety role."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read IST's recent reports and blog posts on AI governance, especially any work on AI incident response or loss-of-control prevention, to understand their framing and priorities.
- → Research IST's key partners and funders, such as government agencies, AI labs, and other nonprofits, to understand the stakeholder landscape you'd be engaging with.
- → Look into IST's past workshops or convenings on AI safety—review agendas, participant lists, and outputs to get a sense of the format and level of discourse.
- → Familiarize yourself with the broader AI safety ecosystem (e.g., Center for AI Safety, MIRI, GovAI) and identify where IST fits and how you could add unique value.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing only on academic research without demonstrating experience in convening or policy translation—IST needs someone who can bridge theory and practice.
- Ignoring the part-time nature of the role and proposing a full-time agenda; instead, show how you'd prioritize high-leverage activities within limited hours.
- Submitting a generic cover letter that could apply to any AI policy job; IST wants to see specific interest in their mission and approach to AI-induced incidents.
📅 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!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Institute for Security and Technology (IST)!