Research Lead - AI Security Policy

The Research Lead AI Security Policy will serve as a senior policy leader, driving government engagement on AI security policy initiatives. This role will focus on informing the regulatory and policy framework for securing advanced AI systems, assessing cyber capabilities, and shaping key policy priorities at the intersection of artificial intelligence and information security.

The individual will engage with the White House, regulatory agencies, the intelligence community, and international partners. Responsibilities include leveraging policy networks to identify emerging opportunities and challenges, guiding research priorities, translating technical findings into actionable policy recommendations, and ensuring expertise contributes directly to policy decisions.

This role requires active participation in the Washington, D.C. policy community, including leading policy roundtables and closed-door briefings, representing the organization in congressional testimonies and agency meetings, and participating in key forums, working groups, and industry consortia. Close collaboration with technical teams will be essential to developing and communicating policy-relevant insights.

This position is structured as a focused two-year appointment to drive ambitious change in this rapidly evolving field. The appointment may be renewed for an additional year, with potential opportunities for longer-term employment thereafter.

Qualifications

Required :

6+ years of policy experience in cybersecurity or emerging technology.

Demonstrated ability to drive policy outcomes.

Established credibility and strong relationships in the cybersecurity or technology policy fields.

Familiarity with U.S. cybersecurity agencies, authorities, and policy development processes.

Experience advising non-technical stakeholders on technical issues.

Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred :

Experience working with or for congressional committees, regulatory agencies, or executive branch offices.

Technical experience in security engineering, software, firmware, or hardware engineering.

Understanding of advanced persistent threat (APT) tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs).

Familiarity with AI / ML hardware and software ecosystems.

Experience in AI research, ML model training, or deployment.

Experience securing AI systems.

Education Requirements

This position is open at the specialist or expert level :

PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Cybersecurity, Information Security, Information Technology, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Applied Physics, Engineering Physics, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Engineering and Public Policy, Technology and Policy, National Security Policy, Policy Analysis, Political Science, International Relations, or a Juris Doctor (J.D.), with at least 3 years of relevant experience .

OR

Masters degree in the above fields with at least 6 years of relevant experience .

OR

Bachelors degree in the above fields with at least 8 years of relevant experience .

Advanced degrees (Masters, J.D., or PhD) are preferred.

Security Clearance

Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance is required.