Fellow/Senior Fellow

Center for a New American Security•Washington, DC

1d•$140,000 - $225,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) is hiring a Fellow or Senior Fellow to lead a new research program on competition policy and artificial intelligence (AI). The role will work with the Program Director to develop research on whether current competition policy is fit for purpose as AI capabilities advance, and assess the economic and national security impacts of different competition law and policy frameworks as applied to AI. The Fellow or Senior Fellow will lead policy dialogue and develop high-impact, implementable recommendations for policymakers in the United States and key foreign capitals. The position is part of CNAS’s Energy, Economics, and Security Program and the cross-cutting CNAS AI Policy Lab. Candidates will be considered at the Fellow or Senior Fellow level based on prior experience and demonstrated ability to conduct high-quality research independently. The appointment is full-time, in-person, based in Washington, D.C., and reports to the Program Director. It is a two-year, term-limited position that may be renewed depending on funding availability. Candidates may start as soon as available.

Requirements

Intellectual interest in policy issues at the intersection of economics, national security, law and regulatory policy, and AI.
Demonstrated track record of policy-related publications or another indicator of strong policy expertise.
Understanding of government policy processes and how to work within them to enact positive policy change.
Established networks in relevant sectors.
Sound and balanced judgment when navigating ideologically charged policy debates and advancing evidence-based, pragmatic recommendations.
Demonstrated ability to independently manage multiple projects, with strong problem-solving skills and initiative.
Ability to communicate effectively with government officials, media, private-sector stakeholders, peer researchers, and junior staff.
Legal right to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in law, economics, public policy, or a related field.
Experience in research and/or policy development at the intersection of economics, national security, law and regulatory policy, and AI.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement a research agenda on the potential economic and national security impacts of competition policy on the responsible development and diffusion of advanced AI, working with other CNAS research programs.
Conduct original research and analysis on how different competition policy approaches and related regulatory programs could facilitate or constrain U.S. national interests in advancing safe and secure AI.
Lead research activities, potentially including technical analyses, tabletop exercises or other scenario-based work, roundtables, dialogues, workshops, and expert or policymaker engagements.
Publish reports, policy memos, articles, op-eds, and other written and multimedia products related to core research themes.
Serve as an expert commentator in the media and conduct public outreach through public speaking, press opportunities, social media, and other outlets.
Conduct consultative meetings and outreach with senior government officials, thought leaders, and members of Congress and their staff.
Engage foreign partners in the United States and abroad, including through regular research trips to key international locations.
Oversee all aspects of the competition and AI policy research agenda, including research planning, the publications process, and outreach and engagement to disseminate findings.
Advise and manage research assistants, adjunct fellows, outside authors, and other CNAS and external contributors.
Work with the Program Director and CNAS Executive Team to support fundraising efforts across the program.
Train and mentor junior staff in support of CNAS’s mission to develop the next generation of national security leaders.