How to apply for (Senior) Researcher, Misuse Risks

About Safe AI Forum

The Safe AI Forum (SAIF) is a unique non-profit dedicated to fostering responsible governance and reducing catastrophic risks from frontier AI through collaboration between key global actors, particularly the US and China. Unlike traditional think tanks or advocacy groups, SAIF focuses on building shared understanding and consensus across geopolitical divides, making it a pivotal player in international AI safety. Working here means directly contributing to high-stakes diplomacy and technical governance at the intersection of AI and national security.

About the role

As a (Senior) Researcher on Misuse Risks, you will lead SAIF's research on extreme misuse risks from frontier AI, such as bioweapons or cyberattacks, and drive consensus-building between US and Chinese ecosystems on safeguards and international coordination. You will run end-to-end dialogue programs, convening AI researchers with biosecurity and counterterrorism experts to translate technical discussions into actionable policy recommendations and best-practice frameworks. This role is impactful because it directly shapes global governance strategies to prevent catastrophic AI misuse.

A typical day

A typical day might involve preparing for and facilitating a virtual dialogue between US and Chinese AI researchers on biosecurity safeguards, then synthesizing insights into a draft policy brief. You could also spend time researching the latest state of safeguards in both ecosystems, coordinating with partners, and refining consensus documents for publication. The role blends independent research, program management, and high-level stakeholder engagement.

Who Safe AI Forum is looking for

• Deep technical grounding in AI safety, security, or red-teaming, with a track record of research or operational work on misuse risks (e.g., biosecurity, cybersecurity, or counterterrorism).
• Native or professional fluency in Chinese and English, with demonstrated ability to navigate cross-cultural policy discussions and build trust with stakeholders in both US and Chinese AI ecosystems.
• Experience designing and facilitating multi-stakeholder dialogues or workshops, ideally involving technical experts and policymakers, to produce consensus documents or frameworks.
• Strong writing skills for decision-makers, with the ability to synthesize complex technical and policy issues into clear recommendations; existing relationships in AI safety communities are a plus.

Tips for this application

• Highlight any experience you have working across US and Chinese contexts—whether through research collaborations, policy engagements, or language skills—as this is central to the role.
• Provide concrete examples of how you've translated technical discussions into policy artifacts (e.g., reports, briefs, frameworks) and the impact they had.
• Demonstrate familiarity with SAIF's previous work and publications; reference specific reports or initiatives to show alignment with their mission and approach.
• If you have a background in biosecurity or cybersecurity, explicitly connect it to AI misuse risks and explain how you would bridge these domains in dialogue programs.
• Show your ability to manage end-to-end programs by outlining a past project where you convened diverse experts and achieved a tangible outcome, emphasizing cross-cultural coordination.

What to cover in your cover letter

["Your specific expertise in AI misuse risks (e.g., biosecurity, cybersecurity, red-teaming) and how it equips you to lead SAIF's research on extreme risks.", 'Your bilingual and bicultural competence, with examples of successfully navigating US-China professional environments and building consensus.', 'Your experience in designing and executing dialogue programs that bring together technical and policy experts, resulting in actionable frameworks or recommendations.', 'Your motivation to work at SAIF specifically, showing understanding of their unique mission to foster international coordination and reduce catastrophic risks.']

Research before applying

• Read SAIF's published reports and articles to understand their research priorities, especially any work on misuse risks or US-China dialogue.
• Investigate the backgrounds of SAIF's team and advisors to identify potential overlaps with your network and to tailor your outreach.
• Follow recent developments in US-China AI governance discussions, including bilateral talks, export controls, and international standards efforts.
• Explore key organizations and individuals in the AI safety, biosecurity, and counterterrorism communities in both countries that SAIF might engage with.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How would you approach building consensus between US and Chinese experts on AI misuse safeguards, given differing perspectives on risk and governance?
• Can you describe a time when you translated a complex technical discussion into a policy recommendation that was adopted by decision-makers?
• What are the most pressing extreme misuse risks from frontier AI today, and how should international coordination address them?
• How would you design a dialogue program that convenes AI researchers with biosecurity experts to produce a best-practice framework?
• What existing relationships do you have in the AI safety ecosystems in the US and China, and how would you leverage them for this role?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Focusing only on technical AI safety without demonstrating ability to engage in policy discussions and cross-cultural diplomacy.
• Neglecting to mention any Chinese language capability or experience working with Chinese institutions, as this is a strongly preferred qualification.
• Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't show specific understanding of SAIF's mission or the unique demands of this role.