Application Guide
How to Apply for Supervised Program for Alignment Research (Fall 2026)
at Kairos
🏢 About Kairos
Kairos is a unique AI safety fieldbuilding organization dedicated to mitigating risks from advanced AI by addressing talent gaps in the field. They offer a structured pathway for aspiring researchers to gain hands-on experience and mentorship, making them a standout choice for those passionate about AI safety.
About This Role
This part-time, remote role involves conducting research on AI risks, collaborating with experienced mentors, and presenting findings at Demo Day. It's impactful because it contributes directly to the AI safety ecosystem, potentially influencing policy and research directions.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve reviewing recent AI safety papers, conducting experiments or literature reviews, and meeting with your mentor to discuss progress. You might also collaborate with peers on shared research questions, and occasionally prepare updates or presentations for Demo Day.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Kairos Is Looking For
- Strong interest in AI safety and policy research, with a genuine concern for the risks posed by advanced AI.
- Demonstrated research and analytical skills, possibly through academic projects or independent work.
- Ability to work independently in a remote setting while also collaborating effectively with a team.
- Openness to learning from mentors and peers, with a collaborative mindset and proactive attitude.
📝 Tips for Applying to Kairos
Tailor your application to highlight any prior research, even if not directly in AI, and explain how it demonstrates your analytical skills.
Showcase your understanding of AI safety by mentioning specific papers, researchers, or organizations you follow.
Propose a potential research topic you'd be interested in exploring, showing initiative and alignment with Kairos's mission.
Emphasize your ability to manage time effectively for part-time remote work, providing examples of successful remote collaboration.
Attend or watch recordings of previous Demo Days or Kairos events to demonstrate your engagement and knowledge.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Explain why you are passionate about AI safety and how this program fits into your long-term career goals.', "Highlight any relevant research experience, even if informal, and the skills you've developed.", 'Mention your ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote setting.', 'Express eagerness to learn from mentors and contribute to the field, showing humility and enthusiasm.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read about Kairos's mission, past programs, and the team members to understand their approach.
- → Explore the AI safety landscape, including organizations like MIRI, OpenAI, and Anthropic, to contextualize Kairos's role.
- → Look into previous Demo Days or publications from Kairos fellows to see the type of research produced.
- → Understand the current debates in AI safety, such as interpretability, alignment, and governance, to identify potential research areas.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid generic applications that don't show specific interest in AI safety or Kairos.
- Don't overstate your experience; be honest about your skills and eagerness to learn.
- Don't neglect the importance of collaboration; emphasize your ability to work with others, not just solo research.
📅 Application Timeline
⏰ Deadline: August 18, 2026
We recommend applying at least a few days early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!