National Security 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.

The Nat Sec AI research area examines how the U.S. government, 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.

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.

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…