The AI Rapid Response Fellowship is run by the Horizon Institute for Public Service, a nonpartisan nonprofit that builds emerging-technology policy talent for the U.S. government. It recruits a specialized cohort of technical and policy professionals to work full-time inside executive-branch offices on AI security and related challenges, with placements starting as soon as possible. Host offices span the White House, the Intelligence Community, and the Departments of Treasury, War, Energy, Homeland Security, State, and Commerce. Unlike the standard Horizon Fellowship, this track is aimed at people ready to contribute immediately. It runs on two tracks — Fellow and Senior Fellow — matched to a candidate’s depth of experience.
Benefits & funding
- Fellow track: salary of USD 170,000–200,000+, plus an additional stipend for benefits.
- Senior Fellow track: compensation starting at USD 250,000, plus an additional stipend for benefits.
- Professional-development budget for conferences and training.
- Relocation stipend to the Washington, DC area.
- Expert briefings and connections across AI policy, plus post-fellowship career support and network access.
Eligibility
- U.S. citizenship is required.
- Expertise in one or more of: AI security, cybersecurity, AI/ML systems, critical infrastructure, biosecurity, or U.S.–China policy.
- Relevant experience in policy, government, private sector, or technical leadership. The Fellow track typically suits 2–6+ years of full-time relevant experience; the Senior Fellow track typically 10–15+ years in technical, policy, or leadership roles.
- Strong written and verbal communication.
- An active or prior security clearance is preferred but not required; self-taught professionals with strong expertise are encouraged to apply.
Can you apply?
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Eligible nationalities
USA
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Application process
- 1Review the fellowship details and tracks on the official page.
- 2Prepare a résumé and short-answer responses covering your expertise and fit.
- 3Submit the application through the official form before the deadline.
- 4Selected candidates receive initial offers in early-to-mid September and are matched to a host office.
Program timeline
Application deadline
Jul 22, 2026
Initial offers
Early-to-mid September 2026
Earliest placement start (as soon as possible)
Fall 2026