The Safe AI Forum
The Safe AI Forum (SAIF) is a nonprofit organisation focused on advancing global action and collaboration to minimise extreme AI risks and ensure AI benefits are shared by all. Founded in late 2023 by Fynn Heide and Conor McGurk, SAIF leads the International Dialogues on AI Safety (IDAIS), facilitating global discussions among scientists and AI governance experts. Our team also conducts research on AI governance, provides advisory services to aligned nonprofits, and runs workshops on critical AI safety topics.
About the Role
SAIF is seeking applications for a 6 or 12-month fellowship to develop and execute projects aligned with our mission. The fellowship is fully remote, and fellows will be integrated into our team with access to SAIF’s extensive network of experts and collaborators.
Fellows will design and execute high-impact projects in AI safety and governance. Exceptional candidates may propose their own projects. SAIF leadership will provide support in scoping, resourcing, and overseeing these projects. Fellows will primarily focus on their research initiatives but may also contribute to other team efforts. There may be an opportunity for permanent employment post-fellowship.
Qualifications & Responsibilities
Research Fellow
- Interest in contributing to AI safety and governance.
- Familiarity with key AI safety and governance issues.
- Experience conducting original research in AI safety, governance, or related fields.
- Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality work consistently.
- Strong collaboration and communication skills in a remote team.
- Self-directed and proactive research approach.
Senior Research Fellow
- Advanced academic or professional experience in AI safety and governance.
- Strong track record of impactful research, publications, or policy influence.
- Demonstrated leadership in advancing AI safety efforts.
- Ability to independently design and execute complex research projects.
- Existing familiarity with the broader AI safety and governance community.
Special Projects Fellow
- Interest in advancing AI safety through applied projects, policy implementation, or operations.
- Experience designing and executing high-impact projects in AI safety or governance.
- Ability to analyse complex AI-related challenges and develop interventions.
- Strong project management skills with a record of leading initiatives.
- Effective collaborator comfortable working across teams.
Project Areas
Fellows may work on a variety of projects, including:
- Research on International Coordination: Exploring viable international agreements and cooperation strategies.
- AI Safety Standards & Best Practices: Developing corporate policies and engaging with standards bodies.
- International AI Coordination Bodies: Investigating mechanisms like incident-sharing platforms and verification regimes.
- Academic Collaboration on AI Safety: Facilitating international research partnerships on AI verification, deception, and risk thresholds.
- Self-Proposed Projects: Exceptional candidates may pitch their own research ideas aligned with SAIF’s mission.
Ideal Candidate Profile
You may be a good fit if you:
- Are impact-driven and excited about international cooperation on AI safety.
- Can prioritise effectively and pivot quickly based on informed judgement.
- Are independent and capable of executing research projects autonomously.
- Communicate clearly and work well in a remote team.
- Are a self-starter with experience conducting independent projects.
- Have a strong interest in international relations, diplomacy, and emerging technologies.
- Have familiarity with China, as a significant part of SAIF’s work involves Chinese AI governance.
Logistics
- Duration: 6 or 12 months, with potential for extension.
- Location: Fully remote, with optional co-working in London, SF, Boston, Toronto, or NYC.
- Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week).
- Compensation: $80K–140K/year, adjusted by location (based on SF/NYC rates).
- Hiring: Managed via Deel, which supports global employment in 160+ countries.
- Application Process: Includes multiple interviews and one or more paid work tasks.
SAIF is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage individuals of all identities and experiences to apply. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us.
