Application Guide

How to Apply for US/NatSec Specialist

at Apollo Research

🏢 About Apollo Research

Apollo Research focuses on frontier AI safety and security, operating at the intersection of technical research and public policy. The company uniquely bridges academic research with government engagement to inform national security preparedness regarding advanced AI systems. Working here offers the opportunity to directly shape U.S. policy while collaborating with leading technical researchers and legal scholars in a mission-driven environment.

About This Role

This US/NatSec Specialist role involves developing and owning Apollo Research's engagement with the U.S. administration and broader Intelligence Community. You'll build relationships with policymakers, convene diverse stakeholders, and translate technical AI safety research into actionable policy insights. This position is impactful because you'll directly inform government situational awareness and preparedness regarding frontier AI systems at a critical moment in technological development.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve briefing government officials on recent AI safety research findings, attending policy events or workshops with diverse stakeholders, and coordinating with technical researchers to translate their work into policy-relevant insights. You'd spend significant time relationship-building through meetings and communications while tracking relevant policy developments and identifying engagement opportunities.

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🎯 Who Apollo Research Is Looking For

  • Has existing relationships or demonstrable experience engaging with U.S. government agencies, particularly in national security or intelligence communities
  • Can bridge technical AI research and public policy, with understanding of both frontier AI safety concepts and government decision-making processes
  • Demonstrates proactive relationship-building skills and experience convening diverse stakeholders (researchers, policymakers, legal experts)
  • Maintains current knowledge of AI governance discussions, relevant bills, and policy proposals at federal level

📝 Tips for Applying to Apollo Research

1

Highlight specific government relationships or engagement experience rather than generic 'government affairs' experience

2

Demonstrate understanding of both technical AI safety concepts AND government policy processes in your application materials

3

Reference specific Apollo Research publications or projects to show you've done your homework on their technical work

4

Given the rolling deadline, apply as soon as possible while still tailoring your materials specifically to this role

5

Show examples of convening diverse stakeholders (not just government officials) in your resume and cover letter

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience engaging with U.S. national security or intelligence communities', "Examples of bridging technical research and policy (how you've translated complex technical concepts for policymakers)", 'Your approach to building and maintaining relationships with diverse stakeholders simultaneously', "Why Apollo Research's specific mission and approach to AI safety resonates with you personally"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Apollo Research's specific publications on frontier AI safety and their technical research focus areas
  • → The company's existing government engagements or public statements on AI policy (check their website and team members' backgrounds)
  • → Current U.S. AI governance landscape, including relevant executive orders, bills, and agency initiatives
  • → How Apollo positions itself within the broader AI safety ecosystem compared to other organizations

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach building relationships with both technical AI researchers and intelligence community officials simultaneously?
2 What specific AI governance proposals or bills are you currently tracking, and how would you prioritize them for Apollo's engagement?
3 Describe a time you had to translate complex technical research into actionable policy recommendations
4 How would you handle a situation where Apollo's research findings conflict with current government policy positions?
5 What specific individuals or organizations in the U.S. administration would you prioritize engaging with first, and why?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Generic government affairs experience without specific national security or intelligence community context
  • Focusing only on policy OR technical expertise without demonstrating ability to bridge both domains
  • Failing to demonstrate understanding of frontier AI safety concepts specific to Apollo's research focus

📅 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 Apollo Research!

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