Astra Fellowship Strategy and Governance Stream: $8,400 Monthly Stipend | AI Safety Research
The Astra Fellowship Strategy and Governance Stream is an opportunity for experienced researchers and professionals interested in reducing catastrophic risks from artificial intelligence (AI). The fully funded fellowship brings talented fellows together with senior experts to conduct research on important questions related to AI safety.
The program is designed for applicants who have a strong understanding of catastrophic AI risks, can work independently, and are comfortable tackling complex and open-ended research problems. Fellows will work full-time from September 2026 to February 2027.
About the Astra Fellowship
The Astra Fellowship is a fully funded, in-person AI safety research program. Fellows are paired with senior mentors and supported throughout the fellowship as they develop and pursue research projects.
More than 80% of the first Astra cohort have gone on to work full-time in AI safety roles. Previous Strategy and Governance fellows have contributed to projects including AI strategy research, AI verification discussions with international stakeholders, and research examining trends in AI progress.
The Strategy and Governance Stream focuses on strategic questions surrounding the development and governance of advanced AI. Fellows may work directly with mentors on research priorities or, in a smaller number of cases, pursue independent research.
Research Areas
Most fellows will work with a mentor on a topic connected to that mentor’s research priorities. Mentor organizations include Forethought, AI Policy Network, and Coefficient Giving, alongside independent mentors working on new organizations and research directions.
Potential areas of research include macrostrategy for AI safety, preventing excessive concentration of power, exploring better-future scenarios, and implementing AI strategy within governments or leading AI companies.
Independent strategy research opportunities will be limited and will be offered to applicants proposing research topics considered particularly important to AI safety.
Fellowship Benefits and Funding
The Astra Fellowship provides financial and professional support throughout the program.
Stipend: Fellows receive $8,400 per month for the duration of the fellowship.
Travel Budget: Fellows receive a $2,000 travel budget to attend relevant workshops and conferences.
Mentorship: Each fellow has weekly meetings with a senior expert in the field.
Research Management: Fellows also participate in weekly meetings with a research manager for guidance and support.
Career Support: A talent mobilization team helps fellows explore opportunities and transition into full-time AI safety roles after completing the fellowship.
Fellows can also access startup incubation services, including support with business operations, communications, hiring, and fundraising for those launching new projects or organizations.
Location and Visa Support
The main fellowship location is the Constellation Institute in Berkeley, California, where fellows participate in the program in person.
A secondary research hub is available for UK-based fellows through the London Initiative for Safe AI (LISA). Remote participation may also be considered in rare cases.
Visa support is available for eligible fellows using J-1, F-1/CPT, or OPT arrangements, subject to the relevant requirements and approval.
The fellowship also provides access to a large AI safety research community, with experts visiting the space regularly. Fellows can participate in shared meals, seminars, workshops, and other networking activities.
Who Can Apply?
The Strategy and Governance Stream is looking for applicants with deep familiarity with catastrophic risks from AI. Strong candidates should be able to communicate clearly, reason through complex issues, work autonomously, and develop their own research agendas.
Preferred qualifications include experience in macrostrategy research, grantmaking, cause prioritization, or a related field. Applicants with career experience in areas such as policy or empirical AI research may also be well suited to the program.
Applicants should also have a strong understanding of important stakeholders in the AI ecosystem. This may include frontier AI companies, governments, investors, and other organizations involved in AI development and governance.
Application Requirements
Applicants are expected to submit a resume and at least two references. Applicants are encouraged to include a reference from within the network where possible.
Written work samples, such as published blog posts, research papers, or other relevant writing, are highly recommended.
The selection process has three main stages. The first stage involves an initial application screening. Shortlisted applicants may then go through mentor-specific screening, which could include work tests or requests for writing samples, as well as a referral check. The final stage involves an interview.
How to Apply for the Astra Fellowship
Professionals and researchers interested in AI safety research can register their interest to receive information when the next cohort launches.
Program: Astra Fellowship – Strategy and Governance Stream
Field: AI Safety, Strategy and Governance Research
Duration: September 2026 – February 2027
Time Commitment: Full-time
Stipend: $8,400 per month
Travel Budget: $2,000
Main Location: Berkeley, California, USA
UK Research Hub: London
Work Arrangement: Primarily in-person; remote options considered in rare cases
Visa Support: Available for eligible visa pathways
Application: Register your interest
The Astra Fellowship provides an opportunity for experienced professionals to develop AI safety research skills, receive mentorship from senior experts, and become part of an international research community focused on reducing catastrophic risks from advanced AI.
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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
