National Security Applications of AI Research Lead

National Security Applications of AI Research Lead

The Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET) is currently seeking candidates to lead our National Security Applications of AI research efforts.

About the Research: 

The NatSec AI research area examines how the U.S. government and its allies and competitors can make effective use of artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) and other emerging technologies. Past and ongoing research has focused on: the application of AI for military decision-making in planning and operations, human-AI interactions and issues of judgment and control, the nexus of commercial interests, scientific advancements, and national security needs (especially in space), and foreign military emerging tech and its implications for U.S. national security.

About the Role:

You will lead a highly capable team focused on National Security Applications of AI, including shaping priorities, laying out an overall research strategy, overseeing the execution of research and the production of reports, and helping to hire and manage supporting researchers, including Research Fellows, Research Analysts and Student Research Assistants. Partner with CSET’s development team as the substantive voice for the research area, including contributing to proposals and funder reporting, and participating in meetings and briefings with current and prospective funders. Additionally, CSET Fellows frequently interact with government, industry, and international organizations and serve as subject matter experts for the media.

Responsibilities:

The incumbent must be comfortable evaluating AI and related emerging technology capabilities against real operational requirements, assessing what these technologies can do, how they integrate into mission processes, and what is required for their effective adoption. Be comfortable distilling findings into clear, policy-relevant insights, working with empirical data, and using qualitative methods such as in-depth interviews and other research approaches to support policy recommendations. CSET Research Leads are expected to spearhead research projects, communicate their findings in clear writing and presentations understandable to non-experts, brief policymakers, participate in public events, and manage and mentor CSET’s Research Fellows, Research Analysts, Research Assistants, and affiliates. They must work collaboratively with other CSET research teams with common interests and relevant expertise. They are also expected to work closely with CSET’s data team to conduct empirical analyses.

The National Security Applications of AI Research Lead will report to CSET’s Director of Analysis and be responsible for the following:

Developing and leading a research area portfolio, including:

• Developing, proposing, and leading a strategic research portfolio for the National Security Applications of AI that aligns with the Center’s mission and priorities
• Working closely with CSET research leadership and peers to identify collaboration opportunities and amplify the Center’s impact
• Guiding the research area team’s projects through existing CSET processes from ideation and initiation to publication and engagement
• For data-focused analytic projects, coordinating with members of CSET’s Data Science Team to design research plans, build out data and documentation libraries, and identify data needs, data team resourcing, and risk management approaches

Mentoring and managing a research team, including:

• Supervising, mentoring, and coaching team members, including Research Fellows, Research Analysts, Data Research Analysts, Student Research Assistants, and other affiliates
• Editing and providing quality assurance for written products by other researchers to ensure methodological rigor, tone, and consistency with other existing products
• Managing a delegated team budget, including allocating professional development and travel funds across team members, and tracking expenditures
• Ensuring the research area meets its grant deliverables, including delivering committed products on schedule and contributing to interim and final reports to funders
• Preparing and presenting performance (project and/or people) updates to CSET leadership.

Serving as a subject matter expert, including:

• Monitoring trends and developments in CSET areas of interest and national security policy
• Producing written publications, both individually and as a co-author
• In coordination with CSET’s communications team, participate in public events and media engagements

Engaging with key external stakeholders and funders, including:

• Developing and delivering presentations and briefs for policy-making audiences on topics related to the National Security Applications of AI research area
• In partnership with CSET’s development team, identifying and engaging with potential funders
• Contributing to grant proposals and concept notes for the research area, including drafting, editing, and reviewing content

Contributing to the overall CSET team, including:

• Contributing to CSET’s organizational development, including contributing to internal working groups, seminars, and discussions; and supporting and mentoring junior colleagues
• Upholding CSET’s mission, values, and culture.

Strong Candidates:

We are looking for candidates with the analytic tradecraft necessary to understand, track, and evaluate how AI-enabled systems are developed, acquired, tested, and used for national security purposes. This does not require experience across every aspect of defense technology and policy, but a strong candidate will have deep familiarity with how national security organizations actually operate as well as expertise in at least one of the following areas:

1. Adoption and integration of AI/ML into military and intelligence processes.
2. Acquisition, requirements, budgeting, and the institutional barriers that determine whether emerging technology reaches the field.

Requirements:

• Graduate (Master’s, JD, PhD) degree in a relevant field
• At least 5 years of public service in senior roles OR 10 years of experience in progressive roles in the private sector.
• Significant experience in an analytic or operations research role within a national security-focused organization
• Well-established network across DC’s national security policy community and adjacent policy organizations
• Ability to conduct research, write, brief, and manage others with limited need for supervision
• Experience in policy-making, research and development leadership, corporate leadership roles, or analysis experience is desirable.
• Significant project or team management experience
• Comfort working in a matrixed/multi-disciplinary environment
• Demonstrated experience and proficiency in mentoring, professional development, and the creation of an inclusive environment within which employees can develop and grow effectively
• Significant experience coaching and mentoring junior analysts/researchers in analytic and research tradecraft
• Familiarity with interpreting and visualizing data
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
• Curiosity and enthusiasm
• Collaborative attitude; demonstrated ability to work in—and lead—teams
• Proficiency with office productivity tools like Google Docs and Microsoft Office
• Ability to work in the United States without employer sponsorship

This position is based in the United States and offers no relocation assistance.  This position is not eligible for a specialty-occupation sponsorship. Accordingly, this position requires that all applicants be legally eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship from Georgetown University.

In general, Research Leads can expect to earn between $160-190k/year, commensurate with experience. 

The application deadline for National Security Applications of AI Research Lead role is Monday, October 5th 2026.

Application Instructions:

We encourage anyone interested in this subject area to submit an application, even those 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. Provide an example of a recent development (technical, commercial, or geopolitical) related to advanced AI models that you believe has important policy implications. What makes it significant?
3. Writing Samples (2): Please provide two writing samples. Ideally, these samples 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.