Senior Advisor - Artificial Intelligence & Global Risks

Washington DC, DC

Contracted

Experienced

Senior Advisor — Artificial Intelligence & Global Risks

Part-time, FAS Contractor

15–25 hours per week (December 2025 – May 2026)

Washington, DC (preferred)

To Sum It Up…

What’s the “elevator pitch” for the role?

The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) is seeking a Senior Advisor to support its work on the intersection of AI and global risks. This role will support an ongoing project covering topics including AI and nuclear weapons, biological weapons, cybersecurity, military integration, and risks from increasingly general-purpose frontier systems, run in collaboration with the Future of Life Institute (FLI).

The Senior Advisor will collaborate with FAS staff as needed to analyze and synthesize insights from a series of roundtables run by FAS and FLI, published literature, and expert interviews, and convert these into actionable policy insights targeted at key decision-makers.

This is a part-time consulting role (15–25 hours per week) ideal for a seasoned policy professional with deep expertise in AI and global risks.

Why Join FAS in this role?

This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of AI policy and global risk governance. As Senior Advisor, you will:

Analyze and synthesize insights across the AI and global risks landscape.
Expand networks across government, academia, and industry.
Ensure cutting-edge research translates into real-world policy impact, including through publications and high-profile events, to translate and disseminate insights.

Skills and Expertise: Must-Haves

What skills do you need to show proficiency (or higher) in order to be a strong candidate?

At least 8 years of experience in public policy, government, academia, or think tanks.
An understanding of the landscape of AI and global risks, including expertise in one or more of: AI and cybersecurity, AI and military integration, and frontier AI governance.
Strong research and analytical abilities with the capacity to translate insights into actionable policy guidance.
Exceptional writing and communication skills.
Proven track record in policy research and analysis, including relevant publications.
Ability to deliver quality written work under tight deadlines.
Ability to navigate complex technical and political environments.

High professionalism, discretion, and strategic judgment.
Comfortable operating in fast-paced, cross-sectoral environments in a collaborative fashion.

Skills and Expertise: Preferred

Experience briefing senior decision-makers.
Proven ability to navigate policy in complex political environments.
Proven project management skills.
Extensive professional networks in national security, AI, or related fields.
Technical background in AI, especially in developing, deploying, or testing frontier AI systems.
Technical background in AI safety and security, including areas such as interpretability, robustness, control, dangerous capabilities evaluations, and red teaming.
Advanced degree (e.g., MS, JD, MPP/MPA, PhD), especially with a focus on AI governance, safety, or security.

What will your major responsibilities entail?

Policy Research & Development (80%)

Conduct in-depth research on intersections between AI and global risks—such as nuclear security, biosecurity, cybersecurity, military integration, and general-purpose systems.
Develop evidence-based, actionable policy recommendations to manage AI’s intersection with key global risks.
Synthesize insights from workshops, roundtables, and expert consultations to inform strategic policy outputs.
Draft high-quality briefs, memos, and analyses.

Program Support & Coordination (20%)

Contribute to planning and preparation for significant AI and global risks events, including framing events and identifying promising participants.
May participate in external engagements in coordination with FAS as a subject matter expert in meetings with policymakers, industry, and academia.
Support cross-organizational coordination and help align research, communications, and outreach strategies.

Why FAS?

Does FAS sound like an organization that you would be energized to join? Is it aligned to your values?

The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) takes seriously our role as a beacon and voice for the science community.

FAS has a rich history: after the devastating bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, a group of atomic researchers – deeply concerned about the use of science for malice – created an organization committed to using science and technology to benefit humanity.

The group they created – the Federation of Atomic Scientists – soon became the Federation of American Scientists in recognition of the hundreds of scientists across diverse disciplines who joined together to speak with one voice for the betterment of the world.

Today, we are a group of entrepreneurial, intrepid changemakers, forging a better future for all through the nexus of science, technology, and talent. We value fairness, inclusion, and transparency, and are focused on being impact-driven and growth-oriented as a force for good in the world.

Work Environment

Hybrid/Remote. Washington D.C.-based candidates are preferred.
Consultant sets their own work schedule.

Salary Range

$115-$150/hour for 15-25 hours per week for up to 6 months (finished by May 31st, 2026).
Pay will depend on experience.

Hiring Statement

Don’t check off every box? Apply anyway! Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every listed qualification. At FAS, we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and developing new voices. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway – you might just be the right candidate.

The Federation of American Scientists is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. The Federation of American Scientists prohibits discriminating against employees and job applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose the compensation of the employee or applicant or another employee or applicant. Employment is contingent on successful verification of eligibility to work in the United States.

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