Fellow / Senior Fellow

The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) seeks to hire a Fellow / Senior Fellow to join the Technology and National Security Program. Ideal candidates will have demonstrated experience in research and policy development at the intersection of technology and national security and an interest in U.S. technological competitiveness and policy. Policy-relevant expertise in the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) for U.S. national security, international security, and geopolitics is strongly preferred. The position is a three-year appointment. Candidates should be self-starters who are comfortable working as part of a small, close-knit team in a fast-paced and fluid work environment.

The Fellow / Senior Fellow’s primary responsibility (90 percent of their time) will be leading a three-year research project to better understand and mitigate risks from national security relevant advanced AI capabilities. The goal of this project is to advance the national security policy community’s understanding of significant AI risks and potential policy solutions to address them. This project is part of a Center-wide initiative on AI security and stability.

The remainder of the Fellow / Senior Fellow’s time will be working on other research lines of effort in the Technology and National Security Program. The program focuses on high-impact technology areas with in-depth, evidence-based analysis to assess U.S. leadership vis-à-vis China, anticipate technology-related risks to national security and democratic values, and outline bold but actionable steps for the United States and its allies to lead in responsible technology development, adoption, and governance. A key focus of the program is convening the technology and policy communities to bridge gaps, exchange perspectives, and together develop solutions.

Responsibilities

The following is an overview of primary responsibilities. Other tasks may be required, and responsibilities will vary over time.

RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS

• Design and implement a research project to better understand and mitigate risks from national security relevant advanced AI capabilities, such as aiding in the development of cyber or biological weapons, misaligned agentic AI behaviors, or AI-accelerated AI R&D.


• Write and publish high-quality, rigorously developed reports, policy analyses, journal articles, op-eds, commentaries, and other written products related to core program themes and other CNAS research priorities.


• Contribute to designing and implementing new projects, innovative research methodologies, and in-depth analysis on technology and national security issues.


• Engage outside experts to conduct research and analysis related to the program’s mission


• Collaborate with other CNAS research programs.


• Conduct domestic and international research trips.

PROJECT AND TEAM MANAGEMENT

• Manage and mentor junior research staff with regular, constructive, and timely feedback.


• Manage project deadlines and deliverables, ensuring timeliness and high quality.


• Support the Program Director in managing the broader team and set an example for professionalism and collegiality.

OUTREACH

• Conduct consultative meetings and outreach to senior executive branch and defense officials, members of Congress and their staffs, and technology leaders in the public and private sectors.


• Serve as an expert commentator in the media and engage in public outreach through social media, podcasts, public speaking, and other outlets.


• Engage key constituency groups and organizations, including domestic and foreign professional associations, relevant multilateral institutions and bodies, and counterpart research or advisory institutions in the United States and abroad.

PROJECT DEVELOPMENT

• Research potential funders.


• Prepare and manage project budgets in conjunction with Center staff.


• Engage and liaise with current and prospective donors.


• Develop project proposals and grant applications in coordination with Program and Center staff.


• Prepare and submit interim and final grant reports.

EVENT DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT

• Formulate event agendas including themes and speakers.


• Design, lead, and manage high-impact convenings, including private workshops, roundtable discussions, task force meetings, and other events that contribute to the Center’s research agenda.

PUBLICATION MANAGEMENT

• Manage publication schedules and deadlines.


• Edit CNAS papers and reports for substance, style, and layout.


• Collaborate with Center staff to develop compelling graphics, data visualizations, and other methods of content delivery.


• Craft and execute strategies to promote research among target audiences.


• Coordinate with outside authors as needed.

INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participate in candidate interviews, employee orientation, and other personnel processes.


• Attend internal meetings and represent CNAS at outside events.


• Mentor colleagues and future security leaders both formally and informally.


• Networking, messaging, and outreach.


• Staff CNAS activities as needed.


• Travel as needed, domestic and international.

Qualifications

Required:

• Substantive knowledge and experience in emerging technologies and national security, with a focus on AI, either as a researcher or practitioner.


• Excellent and efficient writing skills, including diligent self-editing and fact checking.


• Strong organizational skills and uncompromising attention to detail.


• Ability to train, supervise, support, and work collaboratively with others in a fast-paced environment.


• Project management experience and a demonstrated ability to develop and carry out a project work plan.


• Discretion, especially with regard to judging the quality of data and competing information sources.


• Willingness and ability to maintain confidentiality.


• Collegial and ethical professionalism committed to finding solutions and working collaboratively.


• Post-graduate degree in a relevant area of study (e.g., science, technology, engineering, mathematics, political science, international relations, security studies, economics, public policy). 


• Legal right to work in the United States.


• Based in Washington, DC or willing to relocate upon job offer.

Preferred:

• Science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or technical analytic education and/or work experience.

About the Technology and National Security Program

The Technology and National Security Program focuses on high-impact technology areas with in-depth, evidence-based analysis to assess U.S. leadership vis-à-vis China, anticipate technology-related risks to national security and democratic values, and outline bold but actionable steps for the United States and its allies to lead in responsible technology development, adoption, and governance. A key focus of the program is convening the technology and policy communities to bridge gaps, exchange perspectives, and together develop solutions.

About CNAS

The Center for a New American Security develops bold, innovative, and bipartisan national security and defense policies that promote and protect American interests and values. Building on the deep expertise and broad experience of its staff and advisors, CNAS engages policymakers, experts, and the public with innovative fact-based research, ideas, and analysis to shape and elevate the national security debate. As an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit research organization, CNAS leads efforts to help inform and prepare the national security leaders of today and tomorrow. CNAS is located in Washington, DC.

CNAS is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

CNAS offers a complete and competitive benefits package for employees which includes medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, short and long term disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, 403(b) retirement accounts, transportation subsidies, and an employee assistance program.

To Apply

CNAS is accepting online applications only.

A complete application will include a cover letter explaining the candidate’s interest in and qualifications for

the position, together with a résumé or CV. Additional application materials and professional references

may be requested.