Generator Residency Winter 2027 for AI safety generalists

The Generator Residency is a three month program run by Kairos and Constellation for AI safety generalists. Residents pitch, build and ship projects, work with mentors from across the AI safety field, and get help landing full time roles. The winter 2027 round runs from January 18 to April 9, 2027 at the Constellation office in Berkeley, California.

Each resident receives a fellowship stipend of $8,500 per month. Some residents on the Embedded track may be employed instead and receive a roughly equal gross salary. Kairos also covers travel to and from Berkeley, gives project budgets for things like venues, contractors, tools and travel, and offers office access with meals on working days.

There are two tracks. On the Self Directed track you scope and lead a new project, often with other residents. On the Embedded track you join an AI safety organization or work closely with a mentor on work they scope. Selected residents can stay for a three month extension, in person until late May and remote until early July 2027.

The organizers look for people who can find gaps in AI safety and fill them, who are comfortable with ambiguity, and who have a track record of getting things done. Applicants can come from any country and from fields such as operations, communications, policy, engineering and computer science. Residents are expected to take part in person for the full core three months.

Applications opened on October 12, 2026 and close at the end of the day on November 1, 2026, Anywhere on Earth. After a first review, candidates get a work test of about two hours by November 9 and a short interview in mid November. Everyone receives a final decision by November 25, 2026.

Quick answers

Is this a research fellowship?

No. Generator is for builders, operators and organizers who want to run programs, ship infrastructure and start organizations. People who mainly want to do technical AI safety research are pointed to programs such as MATS, ERA, Astra, SPAR and ARENA.

Can I use AI to write my application?

No. Every free response answer must be written by you, without AI writing, rewriting or polishing. You may still use AI for high level feedback, and there is an exemption for people who need assistive technology because of a disability.

Is visa sponsorship available?

For most international applicants Kairos expects to sponsor a J-1 visa, but it cannot guarantee one. People who need sponsorship are asked to apply before October 26, 2026 so they can get an early decision.