How to apply for Writer & Editor

About Epoch AI

Epoch AI is a research team that investigates and forecasts the future development of advanced AI. They are launching a new media program to bring their research to a wider audience. This role offers a chance to help shape the editorial direction of a well-resourced publication from the start.

About the role

As the founding Writer & Editor, you will pitch, write, and edit articles about AI for a general audience. You will work closely with the media team and other researchers. This is a chance to build a new publication and help the public understand AI.

A typical day

A typical day might involve pitching article ideas in a team meeting, writing or editing a piece for the media program, and discussing feedback with researchers. You would collaborate with the media team and other researchers to ensure accuracy and clarity. The role is fast-paced and involves both independent work and close collaboration.

Who Epoch AI is looking for

• Has multiple years of experience writing and editing at a major publication.
• Has worked closely with many different writers, editing their copy.
• Can pitch and develop article ideas for a general audience.
• Is able to work in-person in Berkeley for the first six months, or remote with at least 4 hours of overlap with Pacific Time.

Tips for this application

• Do not include a cover letter, photograph, or headshot. The application instructions explicitly say not to include these.
• Focus your application on your writing and editing experience at major publications. Highlight specific pieces you have written or edited.
• If you are remote, state clearly in your application that you can overlap with Pacific Time for at least 4 hours daily.
• Show that you can write about AI for a general audience. Provide links to published work that demonstrates this.
• Avoid including personal information that is not relevant to the role, such as age, marital status, or photo.

What to cover in your cover letter

Note: The application instructions say not to include a cover letter. If you include one anyway, focus on: your experience writing and editing at a major publication; your ability to pitch and edit articles for a general audience; your interest in AI and Epoch AI's research; and your availability for in-person work in Berkeley or remote with Pacific Time overlap.

Research before applying

• Read Epoch AI's research papers and blog posts to understand their work and tone.
• Look at their website and any existing media to see how they communicate with the public.
• Check if Epoch AI has any previous media coverage or publications to understand their audience and style.
• Research the backgrounds of the team members you might work with, especially those on the media team.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• Your experience pitching and editing at a major publication. Be ready to discuss specific articles you wrote or edited.
• How you would make complex AI research accessible to a general audience. They may ask for examples of how you would pitch or write a piece based on Epoch AI's research.
• Your approach to editing other writers' copy. They may ask about how you give feedback and handle disagreements.
• Your familiarity with AI topics and Epoch AI's work. They may ask what you know about their research and how you would cover it.
• Your ability to work in-person in Berkeley or remote with Pacific Time overlap. Be prepared to discuss your schedule and location.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Including a cover letter when the instructions explicitly say not to. This shows you did not read the application requirements.
• Submitting a generic application that does not highlight your writing and editing experience at major publications.
• Failing to address the Pacific Time overlap requirement if you are applying remotely.