Senior Fellow, AI Compute Policy & National Security

Center for a New American Security; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 140,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life and AD&D insurance

Disability insurance

403(b) retirement accounts

Transportation subsidies

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Center for a New American Security (CNAS) is seeking a Fellow/Senior Fellow to lead compute governance research influencing U.S. national security policy.

You will define the research direction with the Program Director, tackle topics from AI hardware to chip supply chains, and translate findings into practical policy recommendations for senior policymakers in Washington and beyond. You will engage with policymakers, brief senior officials, and represent CNAS publicly on compute and national

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a relevant field or equivalent professional experience.
• Extensive knowledge of AI compute policy and the underlying technology, including AI hardware, semiconductor supply chains, data centers and cloud computing, and export controls.
• Excellent writing skills, with a demonstrated ability to write fluently, clearly and concisely for policymakers.
• Relevant national security experience in the executive branch (e.g. White House, State, Defense, Commerce, Treasury), Congress, the intelligence community, an FFRDC, or a national security‑focused research organization.
• Knowledge of the U.S. national security policymaking processes, including interagency decision‑making, export control development and implementation, and legislative processes.
• Published analysis or policy work that has informed decision‑makers across the government or industry.
• Demonstrated ability to brief senior policymakers and engage with media, translating complex technical issues into actionable insights to inform their work.
• Experience leading projects and managing or mentoring staff.
• Legal right to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead a research agenda on compute and national security, including export controls, AI chip supply chains, data center and cloud infrastructure, on‑chip governance mechanisms, and global compute partnerships.
• Lead development and scoping of new research ideas, particularly where changes in the compute landscape, AI capabilities, or policy environment create new opportunities for analysis, engagement, or impact.
• Author reports, policy briefs, in‑depth analysis, and commentaries that offer actionable recommendations to inform U.S. policymaking.
• Track technical, commercial, and policy developments in AI hardware and compute, translating them into succinct briefs for senior policymakers.

Skills

AI compute policy

Export controls

Policy analysis

Written communication

Project leadership

Media engagement

Brief policymakers

Education

Advanced degree in a relevant field

Job description

Center for a New American Security (CNAS) is seeking a Fellow/Senior Fellow to lead compute governance research influencing U.S. national security policy.

You will define the research direction with the Program Director, tackle topics from AI hardware to chip supply chains, and translate findings into practical policy recommendations for senior policymakers in Washington and beyond. You will engage with policymakers, brief senior officials, and represent CNAS publicly on compute and national