Executive summary: This report synthesizes insights from 31 interviews with key figures in AI safety on the evolving talent needs of the field, identifying three key archetypes (Connectors, Iterators, and Amplifiers) and outlining their respective demand and development pathways across different organization types.
Key points:
Scaling labs have high demand for experienced Iterators (strong empiricists) with machine learning backgrounds to clear their backlog of experiments.
Small technical AI safety organizations (<10 FTE) seek Iterators with some experience, while growing organizations (10-30 FTE) prioritize Amplifiers (strong communicators and managers) alongside Iterators.
Independent researchers and academia value Iterators able to make contributions within established paradigms, with academia also valuing Connectors (strong conceptual thinkers) who can bridge theory and empirics.
Developing Connectors is challenging as it requires extensive study, debate, and immersion in the AI safety discourse over long periods.
Iterators and Amplifiers are comparatively easier to identify and develop through technical experience, on-the-job training, and contextual immersion.
The report outlines potential strategies for MATS to better identify, develop, and support each archetype through tailored programming and facilitated networking.
This comment was auto-generated by the EA Forum Team. Feel free to point out issues with this summary by replying to the comment, andcontact us if you have feedback.
Executive summary: This report synthesizes insights from 31 interviews with key figures in AI safety on the evolving talent needs of the field, identifying three key archetypes (Connectors, Iterators, and Amplifiers) and outlining their respective demand and development pathways across different organization types.
Key points:
Scaling labs have high demand for experienced Iterators (strong empiricists) with machine learning backgrounds to clear their backlog of experiments.
Small technical AI safety organizations (<10 FTE) seek Iterators with some experience, while growing organizations (10-30 FTE) prioritize Amplifiers (strong communicators and managers) alongside Iterators.
Independent researchers and academia value Iterators able to make contributions within established paradigms, with academia also valuing Connectors (strong conceptual thinkers) who can bridge theory and empirics.
Developing Connectors is challenging as it requires extensive study, debate, and immersion in the AI safety discourse over long periods.
Iterators and Amplifiers are comparatively easier to identify and develop through technical experience, on-the-job training, and contextual immersion.
The report outlines potential strategies for MATS to better identify, develop, and support each archetype through tailored programming and facilitated networking.
This comment was auto-generated by the EA Forum Team. Feel free to point out issues with this summary by replying to the comment, and contact us if you have feedback.