Research Assistant, AI Policy & Governance

EqualAI; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

EqualAI, based in Washington, DC, seeks a Research Assistant to support its research and policy agenda at the intersection of AI governance and public policy.

You will conduct policy and corporate governance research, monitor frontier AI developments, translate complex information for policymakers and business leaders, and contribute to publications, events, and the In AI We Trust? podcast.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in public policy or a related field.
• 1–3 years of relevant research or policy experience.
• Excellent research and written communication skills.
• Ability to translate complex AI policy into clear materials.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects.
• Familiarity with legislative and regulatory processes and AI governance.
• Intellectual curiosity and collaborative approach.

Responsibilities

• Policy research and analysis to track AI legislation and actions.
• Corporate governance research on boards and disclosures.
• Frontier AI and emerging tech research translating technical developments for diverse audiences.
• Content creation for newsletters, publications, and events.

Skills

Policy research

Policy writing

Stakeholder engagement

Data synthesis

Strong writing

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor's degree in public policy or related field

Job description

About EqualAI

EqualAI is a nonprofit organization working to advance effective AI governance and AI literacy. We help companies, policymakers, and institutions develop and implement practical governance frameworks that build trust in AI and support its responsible adoption. Through research, policy engagement, industry collaboration, and education, EqualAI works to ensure that governance and public understanding keep pace with advances in AI.

Position Overview

EqualAI is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Research Assistant to support its growing research and policy agenda. This position offers an opportunity for an early-career professional to work at the intersection of artificial intelligence, public policy, corporate governance, and emerging technology.

The Research Assistant will conduct policy and corporate governance research, monitor developments in frontier AI models and applications, and translate complex information into clear, accessible materials for policymakers, business leaders, and other stakeholders. The position will also support EqualAI's publications, board education initiatives, convenings, and the In AI We Trust? podcast.

The ideal candidate is a strong researcher and writer with a demonstrated interest in AI policy, technology governance, or public policy, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-moving environment.

Key Responsibilities

1. Policy Research and Analysis

• Track federal, state, and international AI legislation, regulation, executive actions, and enforcement developments.


• Maintain and update legislative and regulatory trackers, identifying emerging trends and policy implications.


• Conduct background research and draft policy memos, briefing materials, talking points, and summaries for congressional staff briefings and policymaker engagement.


• Monitor developments across relevant government agencies, legislative bodies, and international institutions.

2. Corporate Governance Research

• Research how companies and corporate boards approach AI governance, including board oversight structures, management accountability, corporate disclosures, and governance frameworks.


• Support the development of EqualAI playbooks, surveys, board education materials, and other research products.


• Develop company case studies illustrating emerging governance practices and lessons for corporate leaders.


• Conduct fact-checking, source verification, and literature reviews to ensure the accuracy and quality of research outputs.

3. Frontier Model and Emerging Technology Research

• Monitor developments in frontier and open-weight AI models, agentic AI systems, and emerging applications.


• Track developments in model evaluations, testing, safety practices, and governance approaches.


• Translate technical developments into clear, accessible explanations for policy, business, and general audiences.


• Identify emerging issues that may have implications for corporate governance, public policy, and institutional oversight.

4. Events, Publications, and Content

• Prepare speaker briefings, background research, agendas, and run-of-show documents for summits, roundtables, and policymaker briefings.


• Support EqualAI's In AI We Trust? podcast through guest research, episode preparation, and background materials.


• Draft and edit content for newsletters, blog posts, research publications, and social media.


• Support research and preparation for EqualAI's public programs and stakeholder engagements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in public policy, political science, international affairs, economics, law, technology policy, computer science, or a related field.


• 1-3 years of relevant professional experience, including internships, research positions, or work in government, academia, policy organizations, or the private sector.


• Excellent research, analytical, and written communication skills.


• Ability to synthesize complex policy and technical information into concise, accessible materials.


• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.


• Familiarity with legislative and regulatory processes and an interest in AI policy and governance.


• Intellectual curiosity, sound judgment, initiative, and a collaborative approach.

What You Will Gain

• Direct exposure to leading policymakers, corporate executives, researchers, and AI industry leaders.


• Experience contributing to research and policy initiatives shaping the future of AI governance.


• Opportunities to participate in high-level briefings, roundtables, and industry convenings.


• Exposure to the practical challenges of AI governance across government, business, and civil society.

EqualAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.