Science and Technology Policy Fellow, Legislative Branch Cohort in AI

AAAS; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 101,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation allowance

Health insurance

Transit benefits

Professional development

Job summary

The AAAS AI-STPF fellowship offers scientists and engineers a chance to inform federal AI policy from Capitol Hill. Fellows serve as embedded staff, providing in-house expertise and analysis to Members of Congress and their offices.

Based in the Washington, D.C. area, fellows bring deep knowledge across AI, robotics, machine learning, and related fields and contribute to policy-relevant research, briefings, and strategic guidance during the 12-month placement.

Qualifications

• Ph.D., MS + at least 3 years post-degree work experience, or BS + five years post-degree work experience.
• U.S. citizenship required.
• Experience spanning industry, academia and government engagement welcomed.
• Willingness to reside in the Washington, D.C. area during the fellowship.

Responsibilities

• Provide in-house AI policy analysis and expertise for decision-makers.
• Support Members of Congress offices with technical briefings and insights.
• Participate in orientation and professional development activities.
• Collaborate across disciplines to inform smart AI policy decisions.

Skills

Policy analysis

Communication

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Education

Ph.D.

MS + 3 years

BS + 5 years

Job description

Now is a pivotal time to shape the future of artificial intelligence. With Congress working on multiple legislative efforts, scientific and engineering expertise is needed immediately to inform federal policymaking. AAAS is seeking scientists and engineers from a wide range of disciplines to provide a response to this urgent need on Capitol Hill. Congress is preparing to meet the urgent need to shape AI policies, and AI-STPF fellows will be extraordinary assets in helping to understand political, social, cyber and economic impacts for our country and the world. AAAS is seeking leads and interested applicants.

Placement Term

: September 1, 2027 – August 31, 2028

Eligibility

: With expertise in a range of relevant fields and experience spanning industry, academia and beyond, AI fellows will be part of STPF legislative branch fellowships andplaced in the personal and committee offices of Members of Congress. Poised and at-the-ready as embedded staff members, fellows of the AI-STPF cohort will be a trusted resource providing in-house expertise and analysis for decision-makers providing knowledge, insight and guidance in support of smart policies for this powerful technology.

The subject matter area expertise sought includes, but is not limited to:

• AI and generative technologies
• Robotics
• Psychology and human factors
• Computer science and engineering
• Machine learning
• Economics and political science
• Information technology
• Mathematics and statistics
• Health technology
• Energy and water

Candidates may come from a range of career stages, degree levels, and experience. You must have a Ph.D., a MS degree PLUS at least 3 years of post-degree work experience, or a BS degree PLUS five years of post-degree work experience. While prior government experience is not required, previous engagement with political, social and regulatory challenges is especially welcome. Applicants who are new to the program, as well as STPF alumni and current fellows who have not already served in an STPF Legislative Branch Fellowship are eligible. To be considered for this opportunity, individuals must be U.S. citizens.

Location

:The AI-STPF cohort will be based in the Washington, D.C. area, and fellows must reside in Washington, D.C., Maryland or northern Virginia for the duration of the fellowship.

Benefits

: Fellows will receive a stipend between $101,401 – $131,826, along with additional benefits including a relocation allowance, health insurance and transit benefits.

The fellowship will begin on September 1, 2027 with a mandatorytwo-week, in-person orientation program in the Washington, D.C. area on the workings of the federal government that provides exposure to some of the issues, institutions and individuals involved in federal policymaking. Throughout the fellowship year, fellows will have access to professional development training and workshops relevant to policy, communication, leadership and career strategies. The fellowship will conclude on August 31, 2028.