The Horizon Institute for Public Service has opened applications for its new AI Rapid Response Fellowship, a specialized initiative designed to place experienced technical and policy professionals into U.S. federal government offices working on artificial intelligence security challenges.
The fellowship comes at a time when governments worldwide are racing to understand and respond to the rapid advancement of AI technologies. Horizon says the program was created to address a growing shortage of personnel with expertise in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, national security, and related policy fields across federal agencies.
Applications are open until July 22, 2026, with selected fellows expected to begin placements as soon as administrative requirements are completed.
Addressing a Critical AI Talent Gap
According to Horizon, recent developments in advanced AI systems have intensified concerns around national security, cyber defense, critical infrastructure protection, and geopolitical competition. While policymakers have increasingly prioritized AI governance and security, many government offices continue to face difficulties recruiting professionals with the specialized knowledge needed to tackle these issues.
The AI Rapid Response Fellowship seeks to bridge this gap by placing highly qualified experts directly into executive branch offices where they can contribute from day one.
Unlike Horizon’s traditional fellowship programs, which focus on helping professionals transition into public service careers, the AI Rapid Response Fellowship specifically targets candidates who already possess substantial technical or policy experience.
Fellowship Tracks and Compensation
The program offers two distinct pathways based on professional experience and leadership level.
Fellow Track
Designed for professionals with approximately two to six or more years of relevant experience, this track is intended for candidates who can immediately contribute to federal policy and security initiatives.
Key details include:
- Salary range of $170,000–$200,000+
- Additional benefits stipend
- One-year placement in a federal office
- Opportunities for renewal based on agency needs and funding
Senior Fellow Track
This pathway targets highly experienced professionals capable of assuming senior responsibilities within government offices.
Key features include:
- Compensation beginning at $250,000+
- Additional benefits stipend
- Placement in leadership-level roles
- Designed for professionals with roughly 10–15+ years of relevant experience
Applicants uncertain about which track best fits their background may apply for both through the same application process.
Areas of Expertise Sought
Horizon is recruiting candidates from a broad range of technical and policy backgrounds related to AI security and emerging technologies.
Relevant expertise includes:
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning
- Cybersecurity
- National security policy
- Intelligence analysis
- Critical infrastructure protection
- Biosecurity
- Supply chain security
- AI evaluations and testing
- U.S.-China technology policy
- Technology governance and regulation
Candidates with prior government experience are encouraged to apply, although private-sector professionals and researchers with relevant expertise are also eligible.
Potential Areas of Government Impact
Fellows will support federal agencies and offices addressing some of the most pressing AI-related security challenges facing the United States.
Potential work areas include:
- Supporting government adoption of AI for defense and national security missions
- Evaluating the cyber capabilities of advanced AI systems
- Protecting AI infrastructure from foreign threats
- Strengthening AI supply chain security
- Assessing emerging AI risks and opportunities
- Supporting critical infrastructure protection efforts
- Developing secure AI computing environments for government use
- Tracking international AI developments and strategic competition
- Funding and evaluating AI research and development initiatives
The exact responsibilities will depend on the fellow’s expertise and the needs of the host office.
Federal Agencies Expected to Participate
The fellowship is aligned with recent federal efforts to strengthen AI innovation and security capabilities across government institutions.
Potential placements may involve offices within:
- The White House
- The Intelligence Community
- Department of Energy
- Department of Homeland Security
- Department of State
- Department of Commerce
- Department of the Treasury
- National security and defense-related agencies
Most placements are expected to be based in the Washington, D.C. area, although a limited number may be located elsewhere or performed remotely depending on agency requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the fellowship, applicants must meet several core requirements.
Essential qualifications include:
- U.S. citizenship
- Expertise relevant to AI security and emerging technologies
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Relevant professional experience
- Ability to operate effectively in government policy environments
An active or previous security clearance is considered advantageous because it can accelerate onboarding processes. However, Horizon emphasizes that candidates without a clearance are still encouraged to apply.
Professional Development and Networking Opportunities
Beyond their government placements, fellows will receive access to a range of professional development resources.
Program benefits include:
- Briefings on frontier AI capabilities and policy developments
- Connections with leading AI policy and security experts
- Professional development funding for conferences and training
- Relocation support for those moving to Washington, D.C.
- Membership in Horizon’s broader AI policy network
- Continued career support after the fellowship concludes
Participants will also gain access to a community of policymakers, technologists, researchers, and public service professionals working at the intersection of emerging technologies and national security.
Application Timeline
The fellowship follows an accelerated recruitment schedule.
Important dates include:
- Application deadline: July 22, 2026
- Assessment period: Late July through August
- Finalist offers: Early to mid-September 2026
- Government matching process: Begins immediately after selection
- Earliest start dates: As soon as host office onboarding requirements are completed
Selected finalists will participate in interviews, work assessments, and reference checks before receiving offers and entering the host office matching process.
Supporting Government Readiness in the AI Era
As AI technologies continue to evolve at an unprecedented pace, governments face increasing pressure to build the expertise necessary to manage both the opportunities and risks associated with these systems.
Through the AI Rapid Response Fellowship, Horizon aims to strengthen federal capacity by connecting experienced professionals with agencies addressing critical questions around AI security, innovation, and national competitiveness. The initiative reflects a broader effort to ensure that public institutions have the talent needed to navigate one of the most significant technological transformations of the modern era.
