The Horizon Institute for Public Service has launched applications for the AI Rapid Response Fellowship 2026, an exciting one-year opportunity designed to place experienced AI, cybersecurity, and policy professionals inside U.S. federal government offices to help address some of the nation’s most urgent artificial intelligence security challenges.
As AI capabilities continue to evolve at an unprecedented pace, governments around the world are racing to understand and manage the opportunities and risks associated with advanced AI systems. The United States has identified a major shortage of professionals with expertise in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, national security, and related disciplines.
The AI Rapid Response Fellowship was created to bridge this talent gap by recruiting exceptional technical and policy experts who can immediately contribute to executive branch agencies working on AI security and national security priorities.
Application Deadline
22 July 2026
About the AI Rapid Response Fellowship
Unlike Horizon’s traditional fellowship designed for individuals transitioning into public service careers, the AI Rapid Response Fellowship specifically targets professionals with substantial prior experience who are ready to contribute from their very first day in government.
Successful fellows will work full-time within executive branch offices, supporting federal efforts to strengthen AI security, national security, cyber resilience, critical infrastructure protection, and emerging technology policy.
Most placements will be located in Washington, D.C., although a limited number of positions may be remote or based in other cities such as San Francisco where federal agencies maintain offices.
The fellowship lasts one year, with possible extensions depending on funding availability and host agency needs.
Why This Fellowship Matters
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming science, healthcare, business, national defense, and economic development.
However, increasingly capable AI systems also introduce significant security concerns, including:
- Cybersecurity threats
- Critical infrastructure vulnerabilities
- National security risks
- AI misuse by foreign adversaries
- Strategic competition with China
- AI supply chain security
- Frontier AI governance
Recent advancements in AI have demonstrated the growing ability of advanced models to identify software vulnerabilities, automate sophisticated cyber tasks, and influence national security.
To respond effectively, the U.S. government needs highly skilled professionals capable of navigating both the technical and policy dimensions of AI.
The AI Rapid Response Fellowship directly supports this mission.
Fellowship Tracks
Applicants may apply for either—or both—of the following tracks.
Fellow Track
Designed for professionals who possess significant technical or policy expertise related to AI security.
Typical experience:
- 2–6+ years
Salary:
- $170,000–$200,000+
- Additional benefits stipend
Senior Fellow Track
Designed for highly experienced professionals capable of serving in senior federal leadership roles.
Typical experience:
- 10–15+ years
Compensation:
- Starting at $250,000+
- Additional benefits stipend
Applicants unsure of the appropriate track may indicate interest in both during the application process.
Areas Fellows May Work On
Depending on the host office, fellows may contribute to projects involving:
- Government adoption of AI for defense and intelligence
- Critical infrastructure protection
- Cybersecurity policy
- AI model capability assessments
- Vulnerability disclosure coordination
- Protection of frontier AI developers
- AI infrastructure security
- AI supply chain resilience
- AI research and development funding
- Secure government AI computing systems
- AI evaluation methodologies
- AI robustness and control research
- Monitoring global AI capabilities
- Intelligence collection and analysis
- AI national security strategy
- Strategic technology competition
- Public-private AI security collaboration
Federal Agencies and Offices
The Executive Order and National Security Presidential Memorandum identify numerous agencies expected to lead AI security efforts, including:
- White House
- Intelligence Community
- Department of Treasury
- Department of Defense
- Department of Energy
- Department of Homeland Security
- Department of State
- Department of Commerce
Successful fellows will be matched with offices based on their expertise and professional interests.
Benefits of the AI Rapid Response Fellowship
Selected fellows receive a comprehensive package that includes:
Competitive Compensation
- Fellow Track: $170,000–$200,000+
- Senior Fellow Track: Starting at $250,000+
Additional stipend for employee benefits.
Fully Funded Federal Placement
Participants work full-time within a U.S. federal office addressing national AI security priorities.
Professional Development
Fellows gain access to:
- Briefings on frontier AI capabilities
- AI policy training
- Government process orientation
- Career development support
Networking Opportunities
Participants become part of Horizon’s broader AI policy community, including:
- Current fellows
- Alumni
- Government leaders
- Industry experts
- Academic researchers
- Think tanks
Career Support
After completing the fellowship, participants continue to receive:
- Career guidance
- Professional networking
- Connections to AI security organizations
- Future leadership opportunities
Professional Development Budget
The fellowship includes funding for:
- Conferences
- Professional training
- Career development activities
Relocation Assistance
Eligible fellows relocating to Washington, D.C., receive relocation support.
Who Should Apply?
The fellowship seeks professionals with expertise in fields such as:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning
- Cybersecurity
- National Security
- Intelligence
- Biosecurity
- Critical Infrastructure Protection
- China Policy
- AI Evaluations
- Supply Chain Security
- Technology Policy
Experience may come from:
- Federal government
- State government
- Private sector
- Technology companies
- AI startups
- Research institutions
- Academia
Self-taught professionals with strong expertise are also encouraged to apply.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants should possess:
- U.S. citizenship
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to write policy memos
- Technical literacy
- Subject matter expertise
- Public service motivation
An existing security clearance is advantageous but not mandatory.
Fellowship Timeline
Application Deadline
22 July 2026
Selection Process
Applicants advancing through the process will complete:
- Interviews
- Short work assessment
- Reference checks
Offers
Initial fellowship offers are expected by:
Early to mid-September 2026
Matching Process
Selected finalists will meet with prospective federal host offices to identify the best placement.
Final participation is confirmed only after receiving a host office offer.
Earliest Start Date
Fellows are expected to begin as soon as administrative processing allows.
Applicants awaiting federal onboarding may temporarily work with nonprofit organizations engaged in AI security initiatives.
About Horizon Institute for Public Service
The Horizon Institute for Public Service is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening government capacity to address emerging technologies.
Through fellowships, leadership programs, workshops, career accelerators, and policy networks, Horizon helps develop the next generation of AI and emerging technology leaders serving the public interest.
The AI Rapid Response Fellowship builds upon Horizon’s flagship fellowship model with a focused initiative to rapidly strengthen federal AI security expertise.
Why You Should Apply
The AI Rapid Response Fellowship offers an extraordinary opportunity for experienced professionals to shape the future of AI governance and national security.
Participants will:
- Influence national AI policy
- Work alongside senior government officials
- Address cutting-edge AI security challenges
- Receive exceptional compensation
- Expand professional networks
- Build long-term careers in public service
If you have expertise in AI, cybersecurity, technology policy, or national security and are passionate about protecting the future of artificial intelligence, this fellowship represents one of the most impactful opportunities available in 2026.
Learn More
- For more information about this opportunity, Click here
- More global Fellowship opportunities for youth, visit the OFY website: Click here
