
The Center for Security and Emerging Technology at Georgetown University (CSET) is seeking applications for a Research Fellow to support our Applications Line of Research. This role will analyze topics related to the development, deployment, and operations of AI/ML tools in the national security space. This includes both high-level policies as well as explorations of practical issues regarding procurement and acquisition, human-machine teaming, testing and evaluation, as well as training and fielding.
CSET is a research organization focused on studying the security impacts of emerging technologies, supporting academic work in security and technology studies, and delivering nonpartisan analysis to technologists and policymakers. CSET currently focuses on artificial intelligence, advanced computing and biotechnology.
CSET staff come from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines, bringing extensive experience from the highest levels of government, industry, and academia to inform research at the intersection of technology and statecraft. We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion and intellectual curiosity. As a non-partisan organization, we produce rigorous, evidence-based, cross-functional analysis and public resources on emerging technology issues. CSET analysts seek to expose our assumptions, follow the data and serve as trusted advisors to national security policymakers.
About the LOR:
Applications: The broad questions this line of research addresses include: How can the U.S. government and its allies make effective use of artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) and other emerging technologies? Our research in this area examines AI-enabled emerging technologies relevant to national security, opportunities and challenges for adoption and application, and opportunities for alliances in the development and deployment of AI-enabled systems.
Responsibilities:
You will analyze, publish, and help to lead CSET’s work on the use of AI in the national security arena, including shaping priorities, authoring or overseeing the execution of the research and production of reports, collaborating with other researchers and data scientists in related research areas, and helping to manage supporting researchers. CSET Fellows directly impact national security and tech policy through their technical-informed analysis of national security issues related to AI. Policymakers, developers, practitioners, operators, and users seek their expertise and rely on their analysis. Additionally, CSET Fellows frequently interact with international organizations, act as a connector between industry and government, and serve as subject matter experts for the media.
In addition the Research Fellow will report to the Leader of CSET’s AI Applications Line of Research and will be responsible for:
- Developing, proposing, and leading research projects related to CSET’s AI applications line of research, both individually and in collaboration with other Research Fellows, Research Analysts, Data Research Analysts, Data Scientists, Senior Fellows and CSET leadership.
- Conducting the analyses necessary to execute those research projects individually or as head of a project team of researchers and data scientists.
- Producing written publications, both individually and as a co-author
- Supervising, mentoring, and coaching other researchers, including (Senior) Research Analysts, Data Research Analysts, and Student Research Assistants.
- Developing and delivering presentations and briefs for policy-making audiences on topics related to emerging technologies, especially regarding uses of artificial intelligence (AI) in national security contexts.
- Collaborating with CSET data scientists in building out CSET’s data and document libraries.
- Monitoring trends and developments in AI, ML, the national security environment, AI-adjacent areas such as cybersecurity, and national security policy
- Contributing to CSET’s organizational development, including internal working groups, seminars, and discussions; and supporting and mentoring colleagues
- Upholding CSET’s mission, values and culture
- Additional duties as assigned
Requirements and Qualifications
- Graduate (Master’s, JD, PhD) degree in relevant field or at least 5 years of relevant professional experience
- Ability to digest AI/ML literature to identify policy-relevant insights
- Ability to write on technical subjects in a way that is clear, concise and understandable
- Understanding of the U.S. national security organizational structure and the global context for today’s national security challenges
- Proven ability to conduct research, write, and manage others with limited need for supervision
- Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking skills
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Curiosity and enthusiasm for working on national security issues
- Collaborative attitude; demonstrated ability to work in teams
- Project or team management experience
- Proficiency with office productivity tools like Google Docs/Sheets, Microsoft Office, etc.
- Ability to work successfully in a collaborative matrixed/multi-disciplinary environment
- Motivated, enthusiastic, intellectually curious and self-driven
- Alignment with CSET’s mission, values, and culture
- Ability to work in the United States without employer sponsorship
Ideal Candidates:
The ideal candidate demonstrates strong analytic skills and can write on technical subjects in a clear, concise, and understandable way. Has practical experience with machine learning and/or experience in the national security community are highly valued. They are familiar with the current state of the art within machine learning, such as generative AI and agentic systems, and can digest the relevant research literature to identify policy-relevant insights. Successful candidates would be familiar with key national security organizations such as the NSC, DoD, DHS, DoS, and/or the IC. The ideal candidate also has some experience working with AI systems and tools in a national security context.
This position is based in the United States and offers no relocation assistance. This position is not eligible for a specialty-occupation sponsorship and, accordingly, this position requires that all applicants be legally eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship from Georgetown University.
This position is designated as hybrid, which means candidates will be expected to work from CSET’s D.C. office at least 2-3 days per week.
The projected salary range for this position is $100K- $120K, which represents the full range of anticipated compensation for this position. Compensation is determined by a number of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s individual qualifications, experience, education, skills, and certifications, as well as the University’s business needs and external factors.
Application Instructions:
We encourage anyone interested in emerging technology applications in national security to apply, even if unsure of their qualifications/candidacy.
Please note that we only consider complete applications, which include:
- Resume/CV
- Cover Letter that addresses the following:
- Why are you interested in CSET and this role, specifically?
- Your background and interest in national security issues
- Writing sample: Ideally, this would be policy-oriented research and sole-authored, but any self-selected writing sample of at least two pages (e.g., class paper, prior project work, etc.) is acceptable.
If you have any questions with regard to completing and/or submitting your application, please email csetcareers@georgetown.edu.