FAQ
Who is eligible for the program?
Eligible candidates must be one of the following:
- Ph.D. student in philosophy, or
- Graduate of a philosophy Ph.D. program (professors are encouraged to apply)
What type of applicants are we looking for?
Our ideal candidate is someone who has strong research abilities, demonstrated philosophical rigor, is self-motivated, and has a willingness to learn more about technical subjects.
Do I need to have previous experience with AI?
No prior experience in AI or machine learning is necessary for this program. There will be an in-depth onboarding program to get fellows up to speed on the current state of AI/AI safety.
What do I need to submit for the application?
Applicants will need to submit the following:
- A CV/Résumé
- Writing sample
- A written personal statement detailing your reasons for applying to the program
Letters of recommendation are optional, but recommended.
Where can I submit letters of recommendation?
All letters of recommendation should be sent to recommendation@safe.ai . Letters must be confidential and either sent directly from your recommender or sent via Interfolio.
Will the program be in-person or remote?
The fellowship will take place in-person at our offices in San Francisco. In exceptional cases, e.g., if a visa application is taking a long time to process, applicants will join remotely until they are able to join in-person.
What are the key dates for the program?
- October 7: Application deadline
- November 18-20: In-person visiting weekend for selected candidates
- November 25: Selected candidates must respond to their fellowship offer
- January 9: Fellowship commencement
What would a typical weekday look like?
The average day will largely consist of independent research, writing, and discussing ideas with others. Throughout the week, fellows will also meet with advisors, participate in seminars/reading groups, sit in on guest lectures, and attend optional social events.
How many fellows do you plan to elect?
We intend to host between eight to fifteen fellows. Although, this may vary based on the quality and quantity of applications received.
How much will I be compensated?
Fellows will receive a $60,000 grant for the seven-month fellowship. Additionally, due to the high cost of Bay Area housing, we will provide fellows with a $20,000 housing stipend.
Can you sponsor visas?
We will be able to assist in acquiring J-1 visas for candidates that are non-US citizens. Since the visa application process may take many months, candidates requiring visa sponsorship will be able to attend remotely until their visa is approved.
Will fellows need to find their own housing?
Yes, but we will assist fellows in their search for housing and provide a stipend to offset the housing costs.