Application Guide

How to Apply for (Senior) Research Engineer / Research Scientist

at METR

🏢 About METR

METR is a unique nonprofit research organization focused specifically on developing scientific methods to assess AI capabilities, risks, and mitigations, with particular emphasis on threats related to autonomy, AI R&D automation, and alignment. Unlike many AI companies, METR's mission is purely research-driven toward understanding AI dangers, making it ideal for those passionate about AI safety as a civilization-level challenge rather than commercial applications.

About This Role

This role involves conducting research to better understand AI capabilities, building on previous work like agent time horizons and RCTs on open-source developer productivity. You'll be developing scientific methods to measure frontier AI systems' ability to complete complex tasks without human intervention, directly contributing to the foundational science of AI measurement and risk assessment.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves designing and implementing experiments to measure AI capabilities, analyzing results from frontier model testing, and collaborating with researchers to refine assessment methodologies. You might be developing new metrics for autonomous behavior, running RCTs on AI-assisted development, or writing up findings that advance the science of AI risk measurement.

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🎯 Who METR Is Looking For

  • Has practical experience with AI capability assessment, such as designing experiments, running RCTs, or developing metrics like agent time horizons
  • Demonstrates 'scrappy' problem-solving ability with a track record of independently driving research projects to completion
  • Comes from diverse backgrounds including research, engineering, or even startup-founder experience with strong technical skills
  • Shows genuine passion for understanding AI risks and mitigations, specifically around autonomy and alignment threats

📝 Tips for Applying to METR

1

Highlight specific experience with AI capability measurement or assessment in your resume, not just general AI/ML work

2

Prepare to discuss concrete examples of 'scrappy' problem-solving where you independently figured out complex technical challenges

3

Reference METR's specific research areas (autonomy, AI R&D automation, alignment) in your application to show you've studied their focus

4

Be ready for their paid work test process - mention any relevant portfolio projects or research that demonstrates similar assessment methodologies

5

If you have startup experience, emphasize how that translates to independent research capability in unstructured environments

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your specific interest in AI risk assessment and why METR's nonprofit mission resonates with you", 'Concrete examples of experience with scientific measurement of AI capabilities or similar complex system assessment', "How your background (whether research, engineering, or startup) prepares you for their 'scrappy, smart, and driven' culture", "Your thoughts on frontier AI systems' ability to complete complex tasks without human intervention"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → METR's specific research publications or public work on agent time horizons and developer productivity RCTs
  • → Their focus areas: autonomy threats, AI R&D automation risks, and alignment problems
  • → The broader AI safety research landscape and where METR's measurement-focused approach fits
  • → Their nonprofit structure and how it influences their research priorities versus commercial AI labs

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Designing experiments to measure AI capabilities in specific domains like autonomy or R&D automation
2 Previous experience with metrics similar to agent time horizons or RCT methodologies
3 Technical approaches to assessing frontier AI systems' complex task completion abilities
4 Your understanding of AI alignment threats and how measurement informs mitigation
5 How you've independently driven research projects from conception to completion
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on AI development experience without emphasizing measurement, assessment, or evaluation skills
  • Generic interest in AI without specific passion for risk assessment and safety research
  • Expecting traditional corporate interview processes rather than their work test and in-person trial approach

📅 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:

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 METR!

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