JOB SUMMARY:
At CSIS we actively seek to employ a diverse group of people who embody our organizational values. We welcome and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply, especially those from traditionally underrepresented groups.
The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a non-profit, bipartisan public policy organization established in 1962 to provide strategic insights and practical policy solutions to decision makers concerned with global security and prosperity. Over the years, it has grown to be one of the largest organizations of its kind, with a staff of some 200 employees, including more than 120 analysts working to address the changing dynamics of international security across the globe.
The Wadhwani Center for AI and Advanced Technologies seeks a highly motivated AI & National Security/Defense Fellow (or Senior Fellow) to play a key role in advancing the program’s research agenda that explores the national security and defense implications of artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies.
The majority of the AI & National Security/Defense Fellow/Senior Fellow’s time (approximately 75%) will be spent coordinating research activities, authoring or co-authoring policy and research reports in internal and external publications, and developing and delivering research briefings and presentations to key stakeholders. They will be responsible for conducting independent research projects that aim to shape key policy debates and inform both public and private organizations. The remainder of the Fellow/Senior Fellow’s time (approximately 25%) will be spent supporting other research activities within the Wadhwani Center, preparing proposals for project funding, writing grant reports, and contributing to the internal activities of the Wadhwani Center.
The successful candidate will have excellent research and writing skills and experience writing for external audiences. Preference will be given to candidates who have deep, policy-relevant knowledge of the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), Intelligence Community (IC), and other national security institutions, and the components within those organizations whose portfolios include AI and other advanced technologies (e.g. DARPA, DIU, CDAO, IARPA). Knowledge of the U.S. government appropriations process, DOD technology initiatives, and inter-agency relationships is a plus. They should be able to identify emerging issues of relevance and opportunities for policy engagement and be eager to engage in self-directed research and writing. They will be expected to work closely with the Wadhwani Center’s research assistants and program coordinators on research, events, and other program activities. They must be a team player and be willing to take on logistical and organizational tasks when necessary.
Ideal candidates will have a strong background in research and policymaking at the intersection of technology, national security and defense, and come to CSIS with concrete ideas about how to best use a think tank platform to address the most significant issues in the space.
The CSIS Wadhwani Center for AI and Advanced Technologies at CSIS delves into crucial topics at the intersection of policy, AI, and other advanced technologies, focusing on three key themes: Governance & Regulation, Geopolitics, and National Security. Issues explored include how governments can balance the benefits of increased technology adoption while mitigating potential risks; responsible strategies for the U.S. Department of Defense and Intelligence Community to harness advanced technology; practical and desirable regulations and governance structures concerning AI and other advanced technologies; and what actions the United States should take to advance U.S. and allied economic and security interests.
The analyses aim to provide effective policy solutions that address the challenges posed by the rapid evolution of emerging technologies. seeks to answer vitally important questions about the future of Artificial Intelligence and its implications for the global economy and international security.
The Center for Strategic and International Studies is a non-profit, bipartisan public policy organization established in 1962 to provide strategic insights and practical policy solutions to decision makers concerned with global security and prosperity. Over the years, it has grown to be one of the largest organizations of its kind, with a staff of some 200 employees, including more than 120 analysts working to address the changing dynamics of international security across the globe.
The minimum annual salary for Fellow is $70,000, and the minimum annual salary for Senior Fellow is $85,000. Salary will be commensurate with experience.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following:
The Fellow/Senior Fellow will write in-depth policy papers and publications related to the topics specified above. They will conduct research in their areas of expertise for independent and collaborative projects.
Research
• Facilitate the activities of research projects and policy analysis related to the national security and defense implications of artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies by providing thorough and timely communication and operational support within and between research staff and management regarding project status and funding. This includes long-form research reports and occasional articles for the CSIS website and external media outlets
• Synthesize large amounts of information, perform quantitative and qualitative analysis, and report results to diverse audiences
• Contribute to the intellectual vitality of the Wadhwani Center by serving as a recognized expert in the field of national security and advanced technology policy
Outreach
• Serve as an influential voice on the national security implications of AI and other advanced technologies, promoting the Wadhwani Center’s expert analysis with a diverse set of stakeholders, thought leaders, government executives, policymakers, journalists, and the general public
• Represent CSIS as an expert at conferences, workshops, and other public speaking engagements, and donor and prospective donor engagements
• Conceive and lead events, such as working groups, panels, roundtables to advance the program’s research and analysis
Senior Fellows may also:
• Design and conduct research projects and policy analysis on national security and defense related to AI and other emerging technologies for independent and collaborative projects
• Write in-depth and influential papers, publications, and testimonies
Institutional Responsibilities
• Identify potential grant projects, research potential funders, and assist Program Director in developing robust research proposals in line with the Wadhwani Center’s priorities and research agenda
• Cultivate and grow an excellent professional network and liaise productively with other organizations
• Contribute to the thought leadership and strategic direction of the program
• Work with and mentor research assistants and analysts, to produce research and to facilitate their professional development
Senior Fellows may also:
• Independently procure research funding, steward donors, and brief stakeholders
• Lead tasks, including planning, execution, staff oversight and status reporting for significant initiatives within the area of research and/or the Wadhwani Center
KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE
• For a Fellow: Bachelor’s degree in technology, national security, or a related field; 4+ years of experience in national security and defense policy development and research; or a Master's degree in technology, national security, or a related field with 1+ years working in technology and national security
• Strong grasp of technical concepts that underpin modern advances in AI. A technical background or engineering degree is beneficial, but not required
• Experience in executing a research agenda and publishing in national and international media and in academic journals
• Experience working in industry, government, corporate strategy, or comparable sector
• Ability to operate under pressure and in a fast-paced environment
• A track record of building and maintaining relationships with contacts related to our policy work, including people in the U.S. and foreign governments
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Self-starter with proven project management experience and ability to work on projects simultaneously
• Excellent verbal, written, and communication skills, with an ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from stakeholders and governmental entities
• Candidate should possess sound judgment, entrepreneurial attitude, and creative outlook
Additional requirements for candidates who want to be considered for a Senior Fellow role:
• Master’s degree in technology, national security, or a related field; 6+ years of experience in technology or policy development and research
• Demonstrated expertise in emerging technologies and national security
• Experience conducting independent research and leading a research agenda
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK CONDITIONS:
The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee working in an office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.
Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested applicants should submit a 1-2 page cover letter followed by a 1-2 page resume in a single PDF document. Please title the document “[Your name] cover letter and resume”.
A writing sample (up to 5 pages; may be an excerpt from a longer piece) on an AI-related topic. Please title the document “[Your name] writing sample”
Applications should be submitted via careers.csis.org. Please do not submit additional materials (references, transcripts) etc. These will be requested if needed during the interview process.
To submit an application for this position, click the “Apply” button below, and you will be redirected to our secure recruitment portal.
For more information about the CSIS Wadhwani Center for AI and Advanced Technologies, please visit: https://www.csis.org/programs/wadhwani-center-ai-and-advanced-technologies.