At a Glance
- Tasks: Run evaluations on cutting-edge AI models and automate testing pipelines.
- Company: Join Apollo Research, a leader in AI risk assessment and evaluation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, unlimited vacation, and professional development budget.
- Other info: Flexible work hours and supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of AI research and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Strong Python skills and a passion for AI model evaluation.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 200000 £ per year.
We develop and run evaluations that help assess the risks posed by scheming AIs. You will get to work with frontier labs like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google DeepMind and be amongst the first to interact with new models before anyone else. The ideal candidate loves rigorously testing frontier AI models and enjoys building efficient pipelines and automating them.
You will have the opportunity to:
- Run pre-deployment evaluation campaigns on the most capable AI systems in the world.
- Deep dive into AI cognition by scanning through thousands of model transcripts to surface behavioural patterns that no one has ever observed before.
- Build new evaluations for frontier risks, from designing novel test environments to scaling them across hundreds of distinct scenarios.
- Work directly with frontier AI developers, share your findings, engage with their feedback, and see your evaluations directly inform deployment decisions.
- Automate and improve the evaluation pipeline.
Key requirements:
- Software engineering skills: Our entire stack uses Python. We are looking for candidates with strong software engineering experience.
- Process optimisation: You always try to improve workflows.
- Data Analysis & Pattern Recognition: You can extract signal from large, messy datasets.
- Writing and communication: You succinctly convey qualitative and quantitative findings to a technical and non-technical audience.
- AI power-user: You are curious about the capabilities and propensities of frontier AI models.
We want to emphasise that people who feel they don’t fulfil all of these characteristics but think they would be a good fit for the position are strongly encouraged to apply. We believe that excellent candidates can come from a variety of backgrounds and are excited to give you opportunities to shine.
Benefits:
- This role offers market competitive salary, equity, and competitive benefits.
- Salary: 100k - 200k GBP (~150k - 270k 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
- 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
- Relocation support and visa fees (if applicable)
Location: This is an in-person role working out of our London or San Francisco office. We offer flexible working hours and WFH arrangements.
Visa sponsorship: We sponsor visas in both the UK and US.
About Apollo Research: We aim to address risks from Loss of Control, i.e. risks coming from the model itself rather than humans misusing the AI. We’re concerned with deceptive alignment/scheming, a phenomenon where a model appears to be aligned but is misaligned and capable of evading human oversight.
About the team: The current evals team includes multiple researchers and engineers. You will mostly work with the evals team as well as our team of software engineers.
Equality Statement: Apollo Research is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and are committed to providing equal opportunities to all.
How to apply: Please complete the application form with your CV. The provision of a cover letter is optional but not necessary.
About the interview process: Our multi-stage process includes a screening interview, a take-home test, 3 technical interviews, and a final interview with the CEO.
Your Privacy and Fairness in Our Recruitment Process: We are committed to protecting your data, ensuring fairness, and adhering to workplace fairness principles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Scientist/Engineer (Evaluations) in London
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at Apolloresearch, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like Apolloresearch. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Scientist/Engineer (Evaluations) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at Apolloresearch. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at Apolloresearch. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Apolloresearch
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at Apolloresearch. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at Apolloresearch to drive research projects forward.
