How to apply for Worldbuilding, AI Futures

About Foresight Institute

Foresight Institute is a unique San Francisco-based research nonprofit that focuses on early-stage, interdisciplinary science and technology that legacy institutions often overlook. Working here means contributing to shaping the future of AI and emerging tech in a mission-driven environment, with a remote-friendly culture that values foresight and creativity.

About the role

As a Worldbuilding, AI Futures instructor, you'll guide participants in envisioning and designing realistic 2035 scenarios, using expert foresight tools and worldbuilding techniques. This role is impactful because it empowers individuals to proactively shape AI's societal trajectory rather than passively react to it.

A typical day

You might start by reviewing recent AI news to incorporate into your session, then lead a 2-hour online workshop where participants brainstorm 2035 scenarios using a template you provide. Afterward, you'd provide feedback on their worldbuilding drafts and prepare next week's backcasting exercise, collaborating with the team to refine the curriculum.

Who Foresight Institute is looking for

• A creative thinker with a strong interest in AI and emerging technologies, even without a technical background.
• Comfortable facilitating group discussions and guiding participants through structured foresight exercises.
• Skilled in storytelling and worldbuilding, able to help others craft vivid, plausible future scenarios.
• Enthusiastic about backcasting and strategic planning, with a willingness to engage in imaginative yet rigorous exercises.

Tips for this application

• Tailor your cover letter to highlight your experience with worldbuilding, foresight, or scenario planning—even if from hobbies like writing or gaming.
• Mention specific AI developments or trends you find exciting and how they might shape 2035 scenarios.
• Show your understanding of Foresight Institute's mission by referencing their past projects or publications in your application.
• If you have any portfolio of creative work (e.g., short stories, game designs, art), include a link to demonstrate your worldbuilding skills.
• Keep your application concise but visionary; the institute values clear, forward-thinking communication.

What to cover in your cover letter

["Your passion for AI's societal impact and ability to translate complex ideas into engaging narratives.", 'Experience facilitating workshops or teaching—especially creative or foresight-based topics.', "Specific examples of worldbuilding or scenario planning you've done (e.g., in fiction, strategic planning, or academic projects).", "Alignment with Foresight Institute's goal of supporting early-stage, interdisciplinary tech for positive futures."]

Research before applying

• Read Foresight Institute's recent publications or blog posts on AI and emerging technologies.
• Familiarize yourself with their past worldbuilding or foresight programs, if any.
• Understand their organizational focus on early-stage, interdisciplinary tech and how this role fits that mission.
• Look into the 'Foresight Fellowship' or similar initiatives to understand their educational approach.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How would you guide a participant who struggles to envision a plausible 2035 scenario?
• Describe a worldbuilding exercise you would design for a group of non-technical participants.
• What is backcasting, and how would you teach it in this context?
• How do you balance creativity with realism when constructing future scenarios?
• What AI developments do you think are most underappreciated in public discourse?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Focusing too much on technical AI details rather than the human/societal impact.
• Being overly pessimistic or alarmist about AI—Foresight Institute is positive and proactive.
• Treating worldbuilding as purely artistic without connecting it to strategic foresight tools.