Career development and transition funding
Coefficient Giving funds individuals pursuing or transitioning into impactful science and research careers to reduce global catastrophic risks, especially in AI and biosecurity.
Funder: Coefficient Giving
Due Dates: Rolling (applications accepted year-round)
Funding Amounts: No fixed minimum or maximum; typical requests range from a few thousand up to full graduate stipends, depending on activity and need.
Summary: Supports individuals at any career stage pursuing or transitioning into careers that help reduce global catastrophic risks, with emphasis on AI and biosecurity, via funding for diverse career development activities.
Key Information: Decisions are typically made within 6 weeks; expedited review may be possible for urgent cases.
Description
This program provides flexible funding and support for individuals at any career stage seeking to pursue or transition into impactful careers that reduce global catastrophic risks or improve the long-term future. It is designed to support a wide array of career development and transition activities—including graduate study, unpaid internships, independent study, career exploration periods, postdoctoral work, professional certifications, online courses, and other efforts to build career capital.
A particular emphasis is placed on applicants interested in mitigating risks from advanced artificial intelligence or global catastrophic biological risks, but the scope is intentionally broad. The fund welcomes proposals from those already working in relevant fields, those transitioning from other sectors, and those just starting their careers. The goal is to enable impactful contributions to global risk reduction and long-term societal benefit, especially when alternative funding is unavailable or restrictive.
Examples of supported activities include pursuing advanced degrees, undertaking unpaid internships at think tanks, independent research, obtaining relevant certifications, or taking sabbaticals to explore high-impact work. Past recipients have successfully transitioned from industry or unrelated academic backgrounds into AI safety, biosecurity, and policy roles.
