CSET’s CyberAI project is currently seeking candidates to explore topics at the intersection of AI and cyber, as a Research Fellow.

About the Role

The nation’s dependency upon a well-functioning cyber ecosystem has come into sharp focus as a range of cyber attacks have disrupted commerce, affected supply chains, and harmed individuals. AI techniques, specifically machine learning, offer an opportunity to uplift cyber defenses and improve the underlying security of this critical resource on which our society relies. However, there are numerous challenges to effecting these changes — some technical and others policy-related. 

Cyber AI Research Fellows should have a blend of analytic and technical skills to enable them to work in one or more of the following areas: assessing how AI techniques might improve cybersecurity, assessing how AI could alter future cyber operations and create new threats, examining the potential failure modes of related AI techniques, or researching the geostrategic implications of AI-enabled cyber operations. Fellows should be able to describe AI and cyber concepts in an accessible way for a non-technical audience while identifying associated challenges and making relevant policy recommendations. 

Role Responsibilities

You will help lead and coordinate our efforts on the CyberAI project, including shaping priorities, laying out an overall research strategy, overseeing the execution of the research and production of reports, and helping to manage supporting researchers, including (Sr.) Research Analysts and Student Research Assistants. CSET Fellows directly impact national security and tech policy discussions. Policymakers, national agencies, and congressional committees seek their expertise and analyses. 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. 

The CyberAI Research Fellow will report to the Director of the CyberAI project and be responsible for: 

• Developing, proposing, and leading research projects related to CSET’s CyberAI mission, 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 artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced computing.
• Collaborating with CSET data scientists in building out CSET’s data and document libraries.
• Monitoring trends and developments in cybersecurity, AI, computing, and national security policy.
• Contributing to CSET’s organizational development, including by contributing to internal working groups, seminars, and discussions; and by supporting and mentoring colleagues.
• Motivating, coaching, and challenging team members to provide quality projects and advance their professional development.
• Preparing and presenting performance (project and/or people) updates to leadership.
• Upholding CSET’s mission, values, and culture.

Ideal Candidate

The Cyber/AI Research Fellow would research how recent AI advances will impact cybersecurity and how AI systems can be made more secure and safe. A well-qualified candidate demonstrates strong analytic skills and can write on technical subjects in a way that is clear, concise, and understandable. Practical experience with machine learning or cybersecurity, such as generative AI, automated vulnerability discovery, or intrusion detection, are highly valued. 

The candidate should be familiar with the current state of the art within machine learning, such as generative AI and reinforcement learning, and be able to digest the relevant research literature to identify policy-relevant insights. Successful candidates should have familiarity with the failure modes of various AI models in real-world situations, including those in which AI systems may be actively attacked (e.g., data poisoning, adversarial attacks, etc). The ideal candidate also has some experience working on the research and development of technology solutions and/or real-world testing and evaluation of cyber or ML applications.

Requirements for all Candidates

• Graduate (Master’s, JD, PhD) degree in a relevant field
• Ability to digest AI/ML research literature to identify policy-relevant insights
• At least 3 years of progressive experience in research and policy analysis, including familiarity with interpreting and visualizing data if applying with a PhD/JD
  • OR
• At least 5 years of professional experience if applying with a Master’s Degree
• Ability to conduct research, write, and manage others with limited need for supervision
• Experience managing or coaching junior analysts/researchers in analytic and research tradecraft
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Curiosity and enthusiasm 
• Collaborative attitude; demonstrated ability to work in teams
• Project or team management experience
• Proficiency with office productivity tools like Google Docs and Microsoft Office
• *Technical skills required: In addition to the requirements listed above, those interested in exploring technical lines of research are also required to have:
  • Technical abilities in one or more of the following: AI/ML methodologies, vulnerability discovery, or intrusion detection
  • Coding proficiency in a common machine learning language such as Python

This position is not eligible for a specialty-occupation sponsorship and requires all employees be legally eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship from Georgetown University.

In general, Research Fellows can expect to earn between 100k-130k/year.

Application Instructions

We encourage anyone who is eager about contributing to the CyberAI project to submit an application, even those who are unsure of their candidacy. 

PLEASE NOTE: A complete application must include the following:

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter that addresses the following questions:
   1. Why are you applying to this position/CSET?
   2.  What is an issue at the intersection of cyber and machine learning that you believe will be important during the next decade?
3. Writing Sample: Ideally, the writing sample would be policy-oriented research and sole-authored, but any self-selected writing sample of at least two pages is acceptable. 

APPLY HERE by Monday, November 27, 2023

CSET’s Commitment to Fellows

As part of CSET’s mission to develop the next generation of decision-makers, Senior Fellows and Research Fellows will have opportunities to lead significant research projects, manage teams, brief government officials; interact with the media; collaborate with internal and external research partners; engage with policymakers and other stakeholders in government and the private sector; and contribute meaningfully to CSET’s research agenda and development as an organization. Senior Fellows and Research Fellows gain exposure to government and other public service career options; and develop people management competencies. CSET is dedicated to providing full support to our staff through tailored professional development opportunities, flexible work arrangements and career coaching.

Georgetown University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer fully dedicated to achieving a diverse faculty and staff. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and expression, and sexual orientation), disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.