Application Guide

How to Apply for Technical AI Governance Researcher

at Centre for AI Security and Access

🏢 About Centre for AI Security and Access

The Centre for AI Security and Access (CASA) is a unique organization bridging the gap between equitable access to AI and necessary security measures in global governance. As a remote-first, research-driven nonprofit, CASA offers the opportunity to influence international AI policy through empirical evidence.

About This Role

As a Technical AI Governance Researcher, you will conduct hands-on experiments with frontier AI models to understand their behavior on governance-relevant questions. Your work will directly inform policymakers, translating technical findings into actionable insights for AI safety and access.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your day might start by reviewing the latest model release notes and designing an experiment to test a governance hypothesis. After running experiments via API, you'd analyze results in Python, create visualizations, and draft a technical commentary for policymakers. Afternoons could involve collaborating with the policy team to refine findings or presenting at a virtual workshop.

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🎯 Who Centre for AI Security and Access Is Looking For

  • Has a proven track record in AI governance research or empirical research on AI systems, with published work or reports.
  • Can design and run controlled experiments on frontier models (e.g., GPT-4, Claude) to test governance hypotheses.
  • Possesses strong quantitative skills, including constructing and analyzing datasets from model documentation, policies, or technical reports.
  • Excels at data visualization and technical writing, able to produce clear commentaries for non-technical policymakers.

📝 Tips for Applying to Centre for AI Security and Access

1

Highlight any experience with frontier model APIs (e.g., OpenAI, Anthropic) and specific experiments you've run on model behavior.

2

Showcase your ability to translate complex technical findings into policy-relevant language—include writing samples or policy briefs.

3

Quantify your data analysis skills: mention tools like Python, R, or SQL and examples of dataset construction from unstructured sources.

4

Tailor your resume to emphasize empirical research methodology, not just theoretical knowledge of AI ethics.

5

Mention familiarity with current AI governance debates (e.g., compute governance, model evaluations) and how your research could inform them.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your passion for bridging AI security and equitable access, aligning with CASA's mission.", "Specific examples of experiments you've designed to probe model behavior (e.g., bias, safety, or transparency).", 'How your quantitative and visualization skills can help make AI governance research accessible to policymakers.', 'Your understanding of the gap between AI development and governance, and how your work can address it.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read CASA's published research and policy briefs on their website (casa-ai.org).
  • → Understand their stance on 'AI security vs. access' and how they balance both.
  • → Familiarize yourself with key figures in AI governance (e.g., from GPI, CSET, or OpenAI) that CASA might collaborate with.
  • → Review recent policy proposals like the EU AI Act or US Executive Order on AI to see how your research could apply.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe an experiment you would design to evaluate a frontier model's compliance with a proposed AI regulation.
2 How would you construct a dataset from model documentation to analyze trends in safety reporting?
3 Explain a time you had to communicate a complex technical finding to a non-technical audience.
4 What are the biggest challenges in conducting empirical research on proprietary models?
5 How do you stay updated on frontier model releases and governance developments?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application without referencing CASA's specific mission or research areas.
  • Overemphasizing theoretical AI ethics without demonstrating hands-on empirical skills.
  • Ignoring the policy translation aspect—don't just show technical prowess, show how you make it useful for policymakers.

📅 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 Centre for AI Security and Access!

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