The Horizon Institute for Public Service’s AI Rapid Response Fellowship places experts within U.S. federal executive branch offices to strengthen the government’s capabilities in AI security. This paid fellowship (worth $170,000 to $250,000+) is open to U.S. citizens with technical or policy expertise.
The Horizon Institute for Public Service’s AI Rapid Response Fellowship places experts within U.S. federal executive branch offices to strengthen the government’s capabilities in AI security. This paid fellowship (worth $170,000 to $250,000+) is open to U.S. citizens with technical or policy expertise.
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AI Rapid Response Fellowship 2026 : Horizon Institute for Public Service is a job opportunity offered by the Horizon Institute for Public Service. The AI Rapid Response Fellowship is recruiting Fellows and Senior Fellows to provide immediate expertise on national security issues related to artificial intelligence, primarily in Washington, D.C. This SkillReFlex fact sheet summarizes key information to help you understand the target audience, funding level, dates, required application materials, program limitations, and important considerations before applying. Program Objective - The objective is to rapidly strengthen the U.S. federal government’s capabilities in AI security, cybersecurity, biosecurity, and critical infrastructure. Proposed Experience - Fellows work full-time, primarily in Washington, D.C. (with a few remote or out-of-town positions), within executive branch offices, with a high salary and benefits package. Funding and Benefits : The support offered is as follows: Salary of $170,000 to $200,000+ (Fellow) or starting at $250,000 (Senior Fellow), plus a benefits allowance. Key points to note are: Fellow compensation: $170,000 to $200,000+, plus benefits allowance; Senior Fellow compensation: starting at $250,000, plus benefits allowance; Position based in the heart of the U.S. federal executive branch; Immediate impact on national security issues; Security clearance “preferred” but not required. When an opportunity combines mentorship, training, compensation, travel, or visibility, it is important to distinguish between what is guaranteed, what depends on the final selection, and what remains the candidate’s responsibility. Candidate Profile : The program targets U.S. citizens: mid-level candidates (2 to 6+ years of experience) for the Fellow level, and experienced candidates (10 to 15+ years) for the Senior Fellow level, in AI, cybersecurity, biosecurity, China studies, or national security policy. The main criteria to check are: U.S. citizenship; Fellow level: 2 to 6+ years of relevant full-time experience; Senior Fellow level: 10 to 15+ years in technical, policy, or leadership roles; Expertise in AI/ML, cybersecurity, biosecurity, China studies, national security, or critical infrastructure. Timeline : The date set for public posting is July 22, 2026. Official milestones: Application deadline: July 22, 2026; Initial offers expected: early to mid-September 2026. If the official page mentions multiple rounds, countries, categories, or time zones, always confirm the date that applies to you before finalizing your application. Application - Recommended procedure: Visit the official fellowship page on horizonpublicservice.org; Complete the application via the dedicated portal (fillout); Participate in interviews and a short technical test; Provide references for verification. Documents you’ll need to prepare include: a resume and detailed career history, information on your expertise and the level you’re applying for (Fellow / Senior Fellow), and professional references. Clearly indicate the appropriate level (Fellow or Senior Fellow). Highlight concrete achievements in cybersecurity/AI. The application is open only to U.S. citizens: please verify this requirement. Keep a copy of every document you submit, use a permanent email address, and note the time zone for the deadline. Important note : This post does not replace the official source. Verified details: Fellowship confirmed as open, deadline July 22, 2026, on the official Horizon page as of July 5, 2026; compensation levels, citizenship requirements, and location (Washington, D.C.) verified on the official source. Apply only through horizonpublicservice.org and its official portal. A legitimate government fellowship never requests payment. Apply only through the official channels listed and refuse any promise of selection in exchange for payment, any unlisted fee requests, or any contact that urges you to deviate from the official channel.
Official source
Horizon Institute for Public Service
https://horizonpublicservice.org/ai-rapid-response-fellowship/
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The AI Rapid Response Fellowship is recruiting Fellows and Senior Fellows to provide immediate expertise on national security issues related to artificial intelligence, primarily in Washington, D.C.
The goal is to rapidly strengthen the U.S. federal government’s capabilities in AI security, cybersecurity, biosecurity, and critical infrastructure.
Fellows work full-time, mostly in Washington, D.C. (with a few remote or out-of-town positions), in executive offices, and receive a high salary and benefits package.
Strengths
Funding Announcement: Salary ranging from $170,000 to $200,000+ (Fellow) or starting at $250,000 (Senior Fellow), plus a benefits allowance.
What the program offers
The program targets U.S. citizens: mid-level candidates (2 to 6+ years of experience) for the Fellow level, and experienced candidates (10 to 15+ years) for the Senior Fellow level, in the fields of AI, cybersecurity, biosecurity, China studies, or national security policy.
Criteria to Check
Selected deadline: July 22, 2026. Proposals with an unconfirmed deadline must be reviewed directly on the applicant portal before submission.
Key Dates
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Documents or information
The procedure below serves as a handy checklist. The official guidelines take precedence if a form adds a specific step or document.
Recommended Steps
These tips translate the official criteria into practical steps for preparation. They do not guarantee selection, but they help you avoid submitting vague or incomplete applications.
To strengthen the case
Best Practices
