Application Guide

How to Apply for SPAR Research Manager

at Kairos Project

🏢 About Kairos Project

The Kairos Project is a nonprofit focused on reducing catastrophic risks from nuclear weapons through research, advocacy, and international engagement. Unlike many AI safety organizations, Kairos bridges nuclear policy and AI safety, offering a unique intersection for impactful work. Working here means contributing to high-stakes, mission-driven efforts to prevent global catastrophes.

About This Role

As a SPAR Research Manager, you will be the primary support for mentors leading AI safety research teams within a large fellowship program. Your role is pivotal in ensuring these teams run smoothly, from project scoping to conflict resolution, and in coaching first-time research leads. This position directly shapes the next generation of AI safety researchers and enhances the overall impact of the fellowship.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve meeting with several mentors to discuss project progress, scoping new research directions, or addressing team dynamics. You could also coach a first-time research lead on running effective meetings, mediate a disagreement between a mentor and mentee, or research potential publication venues for a team's work. The role is remote, so you'll balance virtual meetings with independent work, always focused on enabling research teams to succeed.

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🎯 Who Kairos Project Is Looking For

  • Holds a PhD or has substantial research experience (e.g., published papers, led research projects) in AI safety, machine learning, or a related field.
  • Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills, including conflict resolution, mentorship, and coaching, especially in sensitive or high-pressure situations.
  • Has experience managing or advising research teams, with the ability to scope projects, set expectations, and provide constructive feedback.
  • Is familiar with research dissemination strategies, such as selecting appropriate publications, workshops, and conferences for AI safety research.

📝 Tips for Applying to Kairos Project

1

Highlight specific instances where you mentored or coached research leads, especially first-time leaders, and describe the outcomes.

2

Showcase your understanding of AI safety research culture and the challenges early-career researchers face, as Kairos values practical support.

3

Emphasize any experience with conflict resolution or mediating team breakdowns, as this is a key responsibility.

4

Demonstrate knowledge of publication venues and dissemination strategies relevant to AI safety, such as NeurIPS, ICML, or specialized workshops.

5

Connect your motivations to Kairos's mission of reducing catastrophic risks, showing alignment with both nuclear and AI safety domains.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your hands-on experience in mentoring or managing research teams, particularly in AI safety or adjacent fields.', 'Specific examples of resolving team conflicts or supporting mentees with varying experience levels.', 'Your familiarity with research dissemination and ability to advise on publication strategies.', "Why you are drawn to Kairos's unique intersection of nuclear weapons risk and AI safety, and how you can contribute to their fellowship program."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Explore the Kairos Project's website and recent reports to understand their approach to nuclear risk reduction and any AI safety initiatives.
  • → Research the SPAR fellowship program (if public) to understand its structure, goals, and the types of mentors and mentees involved.
  • → Look into key AI safety research organizations and conferences to familiarize yourself with the landscape mentors might navigate.
  • → Read about existential risk and catastrophic risk reduction to grasp the broader context of Kairos's mission.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach scoping a research project with a mentor who has a vague idea but limited direction?
2 Describe a time you mediated a conflict between a mentor and mentee. What was the root cause and how did you resolve it?
3 What strategies would you use to coach a first-time research lead on giving effective feedback?
4 How do you stay informed about the latest AI safety research, and where would you advise mentors to publish their work?
5 Why are you interested in working at the intersection of nuclear weapons risk and AI safety, and how does this role fit your career goals?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on your research accomplishments without demonstrating interpersonal or mentoring skills, as this role is heavily people-oriented.
  • Being vague about your experience with conflict resolution or team management; provide concrete examples.
  • Showing a lack of understanding of AI safety research culture or dissemination norms, which could signal you're not prepared to advise mentors effectively.

📅 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 Kairos Project!

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