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:

1. Interviews
2. Short work assessment
3. 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.

 

Apply here 

 

Learn More

• For more information about this opportunity, Click here

• More global Fellowship opportunities for youth, visit the OFY website: Click here