Apply Now for AI Rapid Response Fellowship (US)

The AI Rapid Response Fellowship offers experienced AI, cybersecurity, and policy professionals the opportunity to serve in one-year, full-time fellowships within U.S. federal government offices. Fellows work on high-priority artificial intelligence security, national security, cybersecurity, and public policy challenges while receiving a competitive salary, professional development funding, relocation support, and access to a network of AI policy experts.

AI Rapid Response Fellowship 2026: One-Year AI and Cybersecurity Fellowship in U.S. Federal Government

The AI Rapid Response Fellowship, administered by the Horizon Institute for Public Service, is designed to strengthen artificial intelligence and cybersecurity expertise across the U.S. federal government. The fellowship places highly skilled technical and policy professionals in executive branch offices to address urgent AI security challenges and support the safe, secure, and responsible deployment of artificial intelligence technologies.

The program responds to the growing need for AI expertise in government following recent federal initiatives, including Executive Order 14409 and National Security Presidential Memorandum-11 (NSPM-11), which emphasize the importance of AI talent in strengthening national security, cybersecurity, and public policy.

Program Objectives

The fellowship aims to:

• Strengthen AI expertise across U.S. federal agencies.
• Improve national AI security and cybersecurity capabilities.
• Support responsible government adoption of artificial intelligence.
• Protect critical infrastructure from emerging AI-related threats.
• Advance secure AI research, development, and deployment.
• Promote collaboration between technical experts and policymakers.
• Build long-term government capacity in AI and national security.

Focus Areas

Fellows may contribute to projects involving:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) security
• Machine Learning (ML)
• Cybersecurity
• National security policy
• Defense and intelligence applications of AI
• Critical infrastructure protection
• AI vulnerability assessment and disclosure
• Secure AI infrastructure development
• AI research and development funding
• Monitoring global AI capabilities
• Cross-agency AI security collaboration
• Emerging technology governance
• Public policy for responsible AI

Fellowship Tracks

The program offers two career pathways:

Fellow Track

Designed for professionals with approximately:

• 2–6+ years of relevant experience.

Participants work on high-impact technical or policy projects while building expertise in government service.

Senior Fellow Track

Designed for experienced professionals with approximately:

• 10–15+ years of relevant experience.

Senior Fellows assume leadership roles and provide strategic expertise on complex AI security and national security initiatives.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows receive:

• Competitive full-time salary.
• One-year fellowship appointment.
• Professional development budget.
• Relocation assistance where applicable.
• Placement within executive branch offices.
• Mentorship and networking opportunities.
• Ongoing career support.
• Access to the Horizon AI policy and technology community.
• Potential fellowship renewal based on funding and agency needs.

Work Locations

Most fellowship placements are located in:

• Washington, D.C.

Depending on host office requirements, some positions may also be:

• Remote
• Located in other U.S. cities

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must:

• Be United States citizens.
• Demonstrate expertise in one or more relevant fields.
• Be interested in public service and AI policy.
• Meet the experience requirements for either the Fellow or Senior Fellow track.

Relevant areas of expertise include:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Machine Learning
• Cybersecurity
• National Security
• Computer Science
• Data Science
• Software Engineering
• AI Governance
• Technology Policy
• Related technical or policy disciplines

Previous government experience is welcomed but not required.

Holding an active security clearance is advantageous but not mandatory.

Selection Process

Applicants will participate in a competitive selection process that includes:

1. Application review.
2. Interviews.
3. Practical work assessment.
4. Reference checks.
5. Matching with appropriate federal host offices based on expertise and interests.

Successful candidates will be placed in roles where their technical and policy experience best supports government priorities.

Why This Fellowship Matters

Artificial intelligence is transforming national security, public services, cybersecurity, and economic competitiveness. Governments increasingly require experts who can bridge advanced technical knowledge with public policy decision-making.

The AI Rapid Response Fellowship helps:

• Expand government AI expertise.
• Improve national preparedness for emerging AI risks.
• Strengthen secure AI adoption.
• Enhance cybersecurity resilience.
• Support evidence-based AI policy development.
• Foster collaboration between government and technical experts.

By placing experienced professionals inside federal agencies, the fellowship contributes to safer, more effective, and more responsible AI governance.

How to Apply

Interested professionals should follow these steps:

1. Review the fellowship eligibility requirements.
2. Determine whether the Fellow or Senior Fellow track best matches your experience.
3. Prepare a professional resume highlighting relevant AI, cybersecurity, or policy experience.
4. Complete the fellowship application.
5. Participate in interviews and the work assessment if shortlisted.
6. Provide professional references.
7. Await placement matching with an appropriate federal office.

Applicants should clearly demonstrate both technical expertise and an interest in public service.

Application Tips

To strengthen your application:

• Highlight experience in AI, cybersecurity, or national security.
• Demonstrate practical problem-solving abilities.
• Include examples of policy, research, or technical leadership.
• Emphasize collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.
• Showcase experience with emerging technologies.
• Explain your motivation for public service.
• Tailor your application to government AI and security priorities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid the following:

• Providing a resume without relevant AI or cybersecurity experience.
• Underestimating the importance of policy knowledge.
• Submitting incomplete application materials.
• Failing to demonstrate leadership or collaborative experience.
• Ignoring practical examples of technical impact.
• Applying for the wrong fellowship track based on experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the duration of the fellowship?

The fellowship is a full-time, one-year appointment, with the possibility of renewal depending on funding and host agency needs.

Who is eligible to apply?

Applicants must be U.S. citizens with relevant experience in AI, cybersecurity, national security, or related technical and policy fields.

Is previous government experience required?

No. Government experience is beneficial but not required.

Is a security clearance mandatory?

No. An existing security clearance is advantageous but not required.

Where will fellows work?

Most fellows will be placed in Washington, D.C., although some positions may be remote or located in other U.S. cities.

What benefits do fellows receive?

Benefits include a competitive salary, professional development funding, relocation assistance, mentorship, networking opportunities, and ongoing career support.

How are fellows selected?

Applicants are evaluated through application review, interviews, work assessments, reference checks, and matching with suitable federal host offices.

Conclusion

The AI Rapid Response Fellowship provides a unique opportunity for experienced AI, cybersecurity, and policy professionals to contribute directly to the U.S. federal government’s response to emerging artificial intelligence challenges. Through one-year placements, competitive compensation, professional development, and hands-on experience in national security and AI policy, the fellowship helps build the expertise needed to shape the future of secure and responsible AI governance.