AI Fellow

Axios; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 67,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Axios is seeking an AI Fellow to work with the co-founders and senior leaders to embed AI across the organization. The role combines research, prototyping, experimentation, and strategic advisory work within editorial, product, and business units.

You will build internal tools and prototypes, brief leadership on AI developments, and test high-leverage AI opportunities. This is a winter 2026 graduate-friendly, in-person DC-area position.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with LLMs and generative AI tools.
• Experience building and shipping applied AI projects or prototypes.
• Familiarity with model fine-tuning, embeddings, APIs, or AI orchestration frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Brief founders on key developments in LLMs and AI.
• Build and test prototypes for internal tools and workflows.
• Pressure-test emerging AI use cases across editorial, revenue, product, and operations.
• Identify high-leverage opportunities where AI improves speed, quality, and impact.
• Translate complex tech concepts into practical applications for non-technical leaders.

Skills

LLMs & AI tools

Applied AI prototypes

Fine-tuning & embeddings

Problem solving

Communication skills

Education

Winter 2026 graduate

Job description

The big picture: AI is now central to how Axios builds, operates and innovates. We believe AI is a force multiplier - not a side experiment, not a siloed function, but a capability we are embedding at every level and in every role across the company. We are hiring an AI Fellow to work directly with our co-founders as an in-house AI guide and builder. One seat. Three months. Real impact.

Why you matter: This is a highly selective opportunity for a technically sophisticated builder who lives and breathes AI, and is eager to apply that expertise inside a fast-moving, mission-driven media company. The AI Fellow will work directly with the founders to track and interpret major developments in large language models and emerging AI tools, prototype new product ideas, and pressure-test initiatives that could meaningfully shape how Axios leverages AI across editorial, product, and business functions.

This is not a traditional internship. You won’t be shadowing someone. You’ll be the person we’re learning from.

The details: The AI Fellow will work directly with Axios co-founders and senior leaders to accelerate how AI is embedded across the organization. This role will combine research, prototyping, experimentation, and strategic advisory work.

You will

• Brief founders and leadership on key developments in LLMs and applied AI
• Build and test prototypes for internal tools, workflows, and product ideas
• Pressure-test emerging AI use cases across editorial, revenue, product, and operations
• Identify high-leverage opportunities where AI can meaningfully increase speed, quality, and impact
• Help translate complex technical concepts into clear, practical applications for non-technical leaders

About you

• You are deeply curious about AI and its real-world applications
• You think in systems and frameworks, not just prompts
• You are comfortable navigating ambiguity and experimenting quickly
• You can clearly explain complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences
• You can operate at both the technical and strategic level — building something in the morning and briefing founders in the afternoon
• Strong preference for a Winter 2026 college graduate
• Strong preference for candidates located in the DC metro area

Skills

• Extensive experience working hands-on with LLMs and generative AI tools
• Experience building and shipping applied AI projects or prototypes
• Familiarity with model fine-tuning, embeddings, APIs, or AI orchestration frameworks
• Strong problem-solving and structured thinking skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Full-time, temporary position

The salary for this role is $ $6,000-$7,000 per month (3 month term) and is dependent on numerous factors, including but not limited to location, work experience, and skills. This range does not include other compensation or benefits.

Axios is committed to embracing artificial intelligence as a core part of how we work. All team members are expected to actively develop AI literacy and use AI tools to enhance their productivity, creativity, and efficiency. We invest in ongoing learning to ensure every employee is equipped to responsibly and effectively integrate AI into their daily workflows.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Axios is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, age, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. Axios makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.

Axios is committed to maintaining the same safe and inclusive environment for candidates as for our team members. Addressing you by the correct pronoun is an important part of this commitment.