AI Policy Researcher — National Security & Policy Insight

Center for a New American Security; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 70,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Life and AD&D insurance

Disability insurance

401(k) retirement accounts

Transportation subsidies

Employee assistance program

Job summary

The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) seeks an AI Policy Associate / AI Policy Researcher to help U.S. policymakers understand and manage risks of advanced AI systems.

You will work with a Senior Fellow on policy-relevant questions at the nexus of AI, cybersecurity, biosecurity, and national security. This in‑person role in Washington, DC, is part of CNAS’s Technology and National Security Program and CNAS AI Policy Lab, offering opportunities to publish research, brief policymakers, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher.
• For the AI Policy Researcher level, at least 2-3 years of full-time, relevant work experience.
• Working familiarity with advanced AI capabilities and risks, such as model evaluations or AI applications in cybersecurity or life sciences.
• Excellent writing skills, including diligent self-editing and fact checking.
• Legal right to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Conduct timely, technically rigorous research and analysis on risks from advanced AI systems for U.S. policymakers.
• Track capabilities and risks of leading AI models, including open-weight releases, and follow developments to inform work.
• Translate technical research into tailored, actionable policy products, including briefings and memos.
• Identify policy questions and opportunities for high-impact research and contribute to new ideas.

Skills

AI policy research

Policy analysis

Technical writing

Briefings & memos

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Job description

The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) seeks an AI Policy Associate / AI Policy Researcher to help U.S. policymakers understand and manage risks of advanced AI systems.

You will work with a Senior Fellow on policy-relevant questions at the nexus of AI, cybersecurity, biosecurity, and national security. This in‑person role in Washington, DC, is part of CNAS’s Technology and National Security Program and CNAS AI Policy Lab, offering opportunities to publish research, brief policymakers, and