Strategic Lead — National Security AI Research

Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET); Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 160,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET) is seeking a National Security Applications of AI Research Lead to guide a capable team and shape the research agenda across AI-enabled national security initiatives. You will mentor researchers, coordinate with data and development teams, brief policymakers and funders, and publish policy-relevant analyses to inform strategic decisions.

This role is based in the United States with a hybrid work arrangement, requiring collaboration across

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in a relevant field.
• At least 5 years of public service in senior roles OR 10 years of experience in progressive roles in the private sector.
• Significant experience in an analytic or operations research role within a national security-focused organization
• Well-established network across DC’s national security policy community and adjacent policy organizations
• Ability to conduct research, write, brief, and manage others
• Experience in policy-making, research and development leadership, corporate leadership roles, or analysis experience
• Significant project or team management experience
• Comfort working in a matrixed/multi-disciplinary environment
• Demonstrated experience and proficiency in mentoring, professional development, and the creation of an inclusive environment within which employees can develop and grow effectively
• Significant experience coaching and mentoring junior analysts/researchers in analytic and research tradecraft
• Familiarity with interpreting and visualizing data
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Proficiency with office productivity tools like Google Docs and Microsoft Office
• Ability to work in the United States without employer sponsorship

Responsibilities

• Developing, proposing, and leading a strategic research portfolio for the National Security Applications of AI that aligns with the Center’s mission and priorities
• Working closely with CSET research leadership and peers to identify collaboration opportunities and amplify the Center’s impact
• Guiding the research area team’s projects through existing CSET processes from ideation and initiation to publication and engagement
• For data-focused analytic projects, coordinating with members of CSET’s Data Science Team to design research plans, build out data and documentation libraries, and identify data needs, data team resourcing, and risk management approaches
• Supervising, mentoring, and coaching team members, including Research Fellows, Research Analysts, Data Research Analysts, Student Research Assistants, and other affiliates
• Editing and providing quality assurance for written products by other researchers to ensure methodological rigor, tone, and consistency with other existing products
• Managing a delegated team budget, including allocating professional development and travel funds across team members, and tracking expenditures
• Ensuring the research area meets its grant deliverables, including delivering committed products on schedule and contributing to interim and final reports to funders
• Preparing and presenting performance (project and/or people) updates to CSET leadership.
• Monitoring trends and developments in CSET areas of interest and national security policy
• Producing written publications, both individually and as a co-author
• In coordination with CSET’s communications team, participate in public events and media engagements
• Developing and delivering presentations and briefs for policy-making audiences on topics related to National Security Applications of AI issues
• In partnership with CSET’s development team, identifying and engaging with potential funders
• Contributing to grant proposals and concept notes for the research area, including drafting, editing, and reviewing content
• Contributing to CSET’s organizational development, including contributing to internal working groups, seminars, and discussions; and supporting and mentoring junior colleagues
• Upholding CSET’s mission, values, and culture.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Mentoring

Policy briefing

Research methods

Data interpretation

Communication (oral & written)

Team collaboration

Public sector experience

Education

Master's degree or PhD in a relevant field

Tools

Google Docs

Microsoft Office

Job description

Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET) is seeking a National Security Applications of AI Research Lead to guide a capable team and shape the research agenda across AI-enabled national security initiatives. You will mentor researchers, coordinate with data and development teams, brief policymakers and funders, and publish policy-relevant analyses to inform strategic decisions.

This role is based in the United States with a hybrid work arrangement, requiring collaboration across