AI Policy Associate/AI Policy Researcher

Center for a New American Security•Washington, DC

2d•$70,000 - $165,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) is hiring an AI Policy Associate or AI Policy Researcher for its Technology and National Security Program. The role focuses on how computing power can be monitored, allocated, and controlled to advance U.S. national security. Working principally with a Senior Fellow and the broader team, the employee will analyze technical developments in AI hardware, data centers, cloud computing, chip supply chains, and export controls, and develop decision-relevant insights for U.S. national security policymakers. The position also offers opportunities to conduct independent research and writing. The role is part of the CNAS AI Policy Lab, a cross-cutting initiative that integrates AI policy work across technology, defense, regional, and economic issue areas. The position is a full-time, in-person, three-year term-limited appointment based in Washington, D.C. Candidates may start as soon as available. Applications are considered on a rolling basis.

Requirements

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 AI hardware, semiconductors, data centers, cloud computing, or export controls, or a track record of quickly mastering technical subject matter.
Excellent writing skills, including diligent self-editing and fact checking.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.
Good judgment about data quality and competing information sources.
Legal right to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Education or work experience in a technical or quantitative field, such as engineering, physics, mathematics, computer science, or economics.
In-depth knowledge of AI compute infrastructure or policy, such as AI chip specifications, semiconductor supply chains, data center energy use, China’s semiconductor ecosystem, or export controls.
Strong familiarity with frontier AI capabilities, risks, and technical trends sufficient to form independent judgments about policy implications.
Published research or writing on AI policy and compute governance.
A computer science degree is welcome but not required.

Responsibilities

Conduct timely, technically rigorous research and analysis of emerging issues in AI, compute, and national security, focusing on decision-relevant questions for U.S. policymakers.
Maintain and deepen understanding of technical trends in AI and compute, including AI chip supply chains, cloud computing, data centers, and export controls.
Follow technical, commercial, policy, and legislative developments relevant to the team’s work.
Translate technical research into tailored, actionable products for U.S. policy audiences, including briefings, policy memos, and in-depth research reports.
Identify opportunities for research to inform decisions, shape policy debates, or build policymakers’ understanding of emerging technical issues.
Identify emerging policy questions, research gaps, and opportunities for high-impact research; contribute to developing and scoping new research ideas.
Meet with and brief Executive Branch and Capitol Hill policy officials on AI compute developments and recommendations for improving compute governance.
Build and maintain relationships across the AI policy community, including government, Congress, industry, media, technical experts, and the diplomatic community.
Use relationships to anticipate and address policymakers’ needs, communicate research findings, and incorporate policy-community feedback into the team’s work.
Support the Fellow or Senior Fellow and broader research agenda with administrative tasks, including organizing private workshops, briefings, and public events.
Organize domestic and international field research as needed.
Contribute to strengthening internal team processes and organizational capacity.