Application Guide
How to Apply for The CHAI Research Fellowship
at Center for Human-Compatible Artificial Intelligence (CHAI)
🏢 About Center for Human-Compatible Artificial Intelligence (CHAI)
The Center for Human-Compatible Artificial Intelligence (CHAI) is a pioneering research organization founded by Stuart Russell, co-author of the leading AI textbook, with a unique mission to ensure AI systems remain beneficial to humanity. Unlike typical AI labs focused on capabilities alone, CHAI specifically researches AI safety and alignment, making it the premier destination for researchers concerned with the long-term societal impact of AI. Working here means contributing directly to solving one of humanity's most critical technological challenges alongside leading experts in the field.
About This Role
The CHAI Research Fellowship is a prestigious postdoctoral position where you'll lead original research in AI safety areas like reasoning, multi-agent systems, and philosophical foundations while collaborating with CHAI faculty and Berkeley PhD students. This role uniquely combines independent research with mentorship and teaching responsibilities, allowing you to shape both technical directions and the next generation of AI safety researchers. Your work will directly contribute to CHAI's mission of developing provably beneficial AI systems.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve morning research sessions developing mathematical models for value alignment, followed by collaborative meetings with CHAI faculty to refine theoretical frameworks. Afternoons could include mentoring PhD students on their research projects, reviewing paper drafts, and preparing materials for a graduate seminar on multi-agent safety. The role balances deep individual research with collaborative problem-solving and educational responsibilities.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Center for Human-Compatible Artificial Intelligence (CHAI) Is Looking For
- Recently completed or about to complete a PhD in computer science, statistics, mathematics, or theoretical economics with a dissertation focused on AI/ML foundations, game theory, or decision theory
- Has multiple first-author publications in top venues (NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, AAAI, AISTATS, or philosophy journals for alignment work) demonstrating rigorous technical contributions
- Demonstrates both deep technical expertise in probability theory/game theory/control theory AND philosophical engagement with AI safety problems
- Shows evidence of leadership through previous mentorship of junior researchers, project leadership, or teaching experience in relevant technical areas
📝 Tips for Applying to Center for Human-Compatible Artificial Intelligence (CHAI)
Explicitly connect your past research to CHAI's specific focus areas - don't just list AI publications, explain how your work on (e.g.) Bayesian reasoning relates to value alignment or safe multi-agent systems
Highlight any experience with CHAI's methodological toolkit (probability theory, game theory, control theory) in your research statement, not just ML frameworks
Identify 2-3 specific CHAI faculty members whose work aligns with yours and propose concrete collaboration ideas in your application materials
Include teaching/mentoring examples beyond TA duties - show how you've guided research projects or developed educational materials
Demonstrate familiarity with CHAI's philosophical foundations by referencing specific papers from Russell, Hadfield-Menell, or other CHAI researchers in your materials
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your specific research vision for AI safety/alignment and how it fits within CHAI's existing research portfolio", "Demonstrated experience with CHAI's core methodologies (probability theory, game theory, control theory) through concrete research examples", 'Your approach to mentoring junior researchers and teaching technical concepts related to AI safety', 'Why CHAI specifically (not just Berkeley or AI research generally) is essential for your research goals']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read at least 3 recent CHAI technical reports (available on their website) and understand their research methodology
- → Study the research backgrounds of CHAI faculty (Russell, Hadfield-Menell, Dragan, etc.) and identify specific overlap with your work
- → Understand CHAI's specific framing of AI safety vs. other organizations (OpenAI, DeepMind, MIRI) - focus on their technical approach
- → Review CHAI's past fellowship recipients and their research trajectories to understand what they value
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing exclusively on AI capabilities research without connecting to safety/alignment concerns
- Generic statements about 'wanting to work at Berkeley' rather than specific interest in CHAI's mission
- Failing to demonstrate familiarity with CHAI's unique technical-philosophical approach to AI safety
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Center for Human-Compatible Artificial Intelligence (CHAI)!