The OpenPhil Career Transition fellowship provides up to $100K to enable researchers to pivot into high-impact AI safety or biosecurity work by funding a period of exploration and capacity-building. It exists to attract talented individuals from adjacent fields into areas where Open Philanthropy believes additional research effort is most needed.

- Applicant must demonstrate a credible plan to transition into AI safety or biosecurity research, with clear pathways to impact. - Proposed research should align with Open Philanthropy's priorities (e.g., AI alignment, catastrophic risk reduction, biosecurity). - Applicant should have a strong track record in a relevant technical field (e.g., ML, neuroscience, pharmacology, statistics). - Evidence of institutional support or collaboration with established researchers/groups in the target area is highly valued. - The proposal should show high leverage: co-investment, existing networks, or potential to build capacity in underserved regions. - Personal statement must convey genuine commitment to the cause and a realistic theory of change.

The page describes a single unsuccessful application from a mid-career AI methods researcher embedded in a large organization (CSIRO). No named winners are provided. Archetypes likely include early-to-mid-career researchers with strong quantitative skills and a clear pivot plan into AI safety, often with institutional backing.

A technically strong researcher (e.g., in ML, statistics, neuroscience, or pharmacology) with a concrete, well-scoped plan to transition into AI safety or biosecurity, backed by a reputable institution or collaborator. The applicant should demonstrate both domain expertise and a credible theory of change for how their work will reduce catastrophic risk.