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Research Associate / Associate Fellow - Wadhwani AI Center

Washington, D.C.

JOB SUMMARY

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a non-profit, bipartisan public policy organization established in 1962 to provide strategic insights and practical policy solutions to decision makers concerned with global security and prosperity. Over the years, it has grown to be one of the largest organizations of its kind, with a staff of some 275 employees, including more than 120 analysts working to address the changing dynamics of international security across the globe.

The Wadhwani AI Center at CSIS conducts high-impact research on the policy implications of artificial intelligence, with a focus on national security, geopolitics, economic competitiveness, and global governance. Since 2023, the Wadhwani AI Center has been shaping the global conversation on AI policy through expert analysis and as a trusted source of insights for the U.S. government as well as international allies and partners. Our team frequently advises bipartisan U.S. government officials and civil servants, including Congressional testimony, private briefings, and published reports. As part of our research, we regularly engage with leading AI companies and academic researchers. 

The Research Associate/Associate Fellow will be responsible for supporting research projects that aim to shape key policy debates and inform both public and private organizations. The Research Associate/Associate Fellow will have the opportunity to author or co-author policy and research reports in internal and external publications, as well as to develop and deliver research briefings and presentations to key stakeholders.  

Ideal candidates will have experience in research and policy development at the intersection of technology and national security, as well as a strong interest in U.S. technological competitiveness and economic security.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Research

  • Conduct research and develop policy analysis to advance the Program’s research agenda on global AI regulation, technology and industrial policy, military and government use of AI, geopolitics, and AI’s impact on the workforce.
  • Contribute to analytical products through research, ideas, and general awareness of relevant news, publications, and international events.
  • Contribute to reports, commentaries, articles, op-eds, and qualitative policy analysis to promote research findings and objectives. An ideal candidate would grow to write and publish independently or with minimal supervision.
  • Lead research and production of The AI Policy Podcast, including regularly co-hosting episodes. 
  • Synthesize large amounts of information, perform quantitative data analysis, and report results to diverse audiences

Outreach 

  • An ideal candidate would cultivate an influential voice on the policy implications of artificial intelligence, promoting the Program’s expert analysis with a diverse set of stakeholders, thought leaders, government executives, policymakers, journalists, and the general public.
  • Develop skills to represent CSIS as an expert at conferences, workshops, and other public speaking engagements, and donor and prospective donor engagements.
  • Plan, organize, and coordinate events, such as working groups, panels, and roundtables to advance the program’s research and analysis. 

Institutional Responsibilities 

  • Assist senior staff in identifying potential grant projects, research potential funders, and assist Program Director in developing robust research proposals in line with the program’s priorities and research agenda.
  • Cultivate and grow an excellent professional network and liaise productively with other organizations.
  • Work with and mentor interns and research assistants to produce research and to facilitate their professional development.
  • Coordinate key activities, including managing social media accounts, drafting mailings, editing publications, and performing other administrative functions as needed. 

KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE

  • Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Public Policy, Political Science, International Relations, Computer Science, or other relevant fields with 2+ years of experience in international or public policy development and research; or a Master's degree in a relevant field required.
  • Strong grasp of technical concepts that underpin modern advances in AI. A technical background is beneficial but not required.
  • Must possess strong interest in science and technology policy, and U.S. national and economic security more broadly.
  • Demonstrated ability to contribute to, edit, do research for, and produce high quality written materials, ideally analytical reports with policy recommendations. 
  • Outstanding analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent verbal, written, and communication skills, with an ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from stakeholders and governmental entities. 
  • High proficiency in Microsoft Office products is required. Advanced Excel skills are a plus. 
  • Experience with podcasting, broadcast journalism, video content for social media or other on-camera experience preferred.
  • Working proficiency in social media like X is required, as is the ability to use video conferencing software like Zoom and Teams. 
  • Superior attention to detail and organizational skills. 
  • Must be available to work in-person at CSIS headquarters in Washington, DC.

Salary Range

$63,000 - $105,000 USD

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK CONDITIONS


The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee working in an office environment.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
 
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.
 
Equal Opportunity Employer. 

 

 

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