Senior AI Governance Researcher

Apollo Research Job Posting

Apollo Research is a mission-driven startup committed to reducing the threats from scheming frontier AI systems. We work with and are trusted by every frontier AI lab. We do fundamental research, test their models before deployment, and collaborate with them on scheming mitigations.

We are excited about individuals that would flourish pursuing the following:

• Design and drive innovative AI governance research, targeting critical areas for AI safety and security, where mission success is not negotiable, such as AI R&D pipelines within frontier AI companies and national security.
• Lead research across formats appropriate to the questions, including peer-reviewed papers, in-depth reports, technical memos, and legal analyses.
• Scope out ambitious and forward-looking AI governance research projects and ideas grounded in the technical state of the art of AI safety and security.
• Engage with and contribute to shaping relevant legal, policy and governance frameworks alongside partners in companies and governments.
• Engage seriously with the technical literature on AI safety and with our colleagues' empirical work, translating it into governance-relevant research and proposals.
• Contribute to and support existing research streams, led by colleagues.

We are looking for a mid-level to senior-level AI governance researcher. We expect candidates to thrive in this role if they match some or all features below:

• Essential:
  • A minimum of 6 years work experience, coming from academia, industry, and/or private practice.
  • A track record of substantive research outputs that shifted thinking in their field, for example, peer-reviewed publications, high-impact reports, a relevant PhD thesis, or comparable work.
  • Demonstrated ability to scope and deliver an end-to-end research project, from problem identification through to a published artefact.
  • Be able to sustain start-up speed and be an effective team member in a high-growth and mission-driven environment, with a high bar for both intellectual rigour and real-world relevance.
  • Excellent written communication, including the ability to write for both technical experts and decision-maker audiences.
  • Willingness to sail uncharted territory and be comfortable with ambitious projects and questions that are hard to tackle.

• Desirable:
  • Strong judgement on which questions matter and the willingness to pursue them rigorously even when answers are uncertain.
  • Previous engagement with fields applicable to AI governance, including but not limited to, e.g., risk management, law, technical AI safety, cybersecurity, or institutional design.
  • An enjoyment for brainstorming and blue-sky thinking with colleagues and partners across organizations on the implications of future powerful AI systems and how society can build preparedness for what is coming.
  • Ability to leverage a network and set of expertise that would complement Apollo Research's existing network and expertise.

We'll assess fit on individual merit and can tailor scope and title for the right person.

This role offers market competitive salary, equity, and competitive benefits.

• Salary: 150-225k USD
• Flexible work hours and schedule
• Unlimited vacation
• Unlimited sick leave
• Up to 6 months of paid parental leave
• Comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance
• Retirement savings with competitive employer matching (e.g. 401(k) for US employees)
• Lunch, dinner, and snacks are provided for all employees on workdays
• Paid work trips, including staff retreats, business trips, and relevant conferences
• A yearly $1,000 (USD) professional development budget

• Start date: We aim to finalize a hire as soon as possible. We will review submissions on a rolling basis and reach out when a strong fit emerges.
• Time Allocation: Full-time
• Location: This is an in-person role in our London or SF office. We offer flexible working hours and work-from-home arrangements.
• Visa sponsorship: We sponsor visas in the UK and US. Sponsorship isn't guaranteed for every role or candidate, but if we make you an offer, we'll work with you to find the right visa route.

How to apply. If you are interested in applying, please:

Equality Statement: Apollo Research is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and are committed to providing equal opportunities to all, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.