Federation of American Scientists - FAS

Title: manager ai safety and security policy Location: Washington United States $75,000 – $90,000 Job Description: To Sum It Up… What's the "elevator pitch" for the role? FAS is expanding its capacity to govern increasingly advanced AI systems in the public interest. As Manager for AI Safety and Security Policy, you will help turn cutting-edge technical insights into concrete policy action by managing high-quality projects, producing rigorous analysis, and helping ensure that rapid advances in AI are matched by credible, evidence-based governance. Working under the direction of the Director of AI and Emerging Technology Policy, you will help develop and execute policy proposals at the frontier of AI safety and security. You will help identify emerging risks, translate technical work into policy-relevant insights, and coordinate policymakers and experts at key moments when decisions are being shaped. This is a role for a program manager and emerging policy entrepreneur: someone who can build clear workplans, coordinate contributors, produce original analysis, and move ideas from research to real-world policy outcomes. You will work closely with researchers, policymakers, civil society, and industry experts across a wide range of perspectives, ranging from AI safety and security to innovation and governance, supported by cross-functional FAS teams. Success in this role means managing high-quality execution and producing rigorous work that creates impact: informing debates, shaping proposals, and supporting decision-makers as they grapple with the challenges posed by frontier AI systems. In the near term, this role will focus substantially on FAS's AI safety work, including policy research, technical assistance, convenings, policy sprints, and the AI Safety Policy Entrepreneurship Fellowship. Skills and Expertise: Must Haves What skills do you need to show proficiency (or higher) in order to be a strong candidate? - 5+ years of relevant experience across think tanks, government, academia, civil society, or industry. - Demonstrated program or project management experience, including the ability to break large or ambiguous projects into manageable components, timelines, and deliverables. - Familiarity with at least one relevant AI safety/security policy area. - Demonstrated expertise in research, analysis, and writing related to AI policy or technology governance, with the ability to translate complex concepts into clear, actionable, and policy-relevant materials for diverse audiences. - Ability to engage critically with technical AI work, including understanding research claims, methods, and limitations and translating those insights into policy implications. - Comfort working in a dynamic, time-sensitive policy environment, including managing deliverables tied to policy windows. - Ability to collaborate effectively across teams and with external partners, incorporating feedback and contributing to a respectful, mission-driven culture. - Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, including the ability to track and quality-control multiple deliverables associated with a single project. - Demonstrated ability to coordinate complex projects across teams and engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels of an organization. - Experience coordinating research projects, policy sprints, events, or convenings involving multiple stakeholders. Skills and Expertise: Preferred - Direct experience engaging with government stakeholders, including congressional offices, federal agencies, or state governments. - Experience supporting or participating in briefings for policymakers or senior decision-makers. - Direct experience in one or more AI safety and security policy topics, including frontier AI safety, AI and CBRN risks, AI and cybersecurity, model evaluations, red-teaming, or dangerous capabilities governance. - Hands-on technical experience in AI or ML, or substantial familiarity with contemporary AI research and development practices. - Experience using AI models to improve productivity and develop new processes and tools. - An advanced degree (e.g., MS, MPP/MPA), particularly in a field relevant to AI policy or national security. Key Responsibilities The Manager will contribute to a subset of the responsibilities below, with emphasis on project execution, policy analysis, and coordination. Policy Analysis and Development - Help identify and prioritize policy windows where targeted interventions, such as briefings, public comments, convenings, or memos, can have outsized impact. - Conduct research and draft written products (e.g., memos, blog posts, policy briefs, or reports) on AI safety and security issues, with guidance from senior staff. - Track and synthesize emerging developments in AI capabilities, safety research, and policy debates relevant to frontier AI governance. - Engage with external experts, including technical AI researchers, to inform FAS policy work. - Coordinate responses to requests for technical assistance from policymakers, including background research, briefing materials, and project tracking. - Collaborate with the Day One community and support activities related to the AI Safety Policy Entrepreneurship Fellowship. - Contribute to cross-portfolio projects at FAS (e.g., AI and nuclear weapons, AI and biosecurity), as needed. Project and Program Management - Manage timelines, deliverables, and coordination for AI safety and security policy projects. - Develop project plans that translate complex policy work into clear milestones, owners, dependencies, and timelines, and adjust those plans as circumstances change. - Track and provide quality control for multiple deliverables associated with a single project, escalating risks or resource needs appropriately. - Support the planning and execution of workshops, briefings, policy sprints, and convenings, including agenda development, speaker coordination, participant follow-up, and synthesis of outcomes. - Contribute to internal coordination across FAS teams to ensure alignment and high-quality execution. - Improve internal processes, templates, and routines that make AI safety and security work easier to coordinate and scale. - Assist with drafting materials for funders, including progress updates, reports, and grant-related planning materials, as appropriate. Policy Engagement and Field-Building - Participate in meetings with policymakers, civil society organizations, and technical experts to support relationship-building and idea exchange. - Represent FAS at selected external events, as appropriate to level and experience. - Support communications and public-facing work, including background research for media engagement or public commentary. - Help identify promising policy entrepreneurs and technical experts who could contribute to FAS policy development programs or convenings. Why FAS? Does FAS sound like an organization that you would be energized to join? Is it aligned to your values? The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) takes quite seriously our role as a beacon and voice for the science community. FAS has a rich history: after the devastating bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, a group of atomic researchers - deeply concerned about the use of science for malice - created an organization committed to using science and technology to benefit humanity. The group they created - the Federation of Atomic Scientists - soon became the Federation of American Scientists in recognition of the hundreds of scientists across diverse disciplines who joined together to speak with one voice for the betterment of the world. Today, we are a group of entrepreneurial, intrepid changemakers, forging a better future for all through the nexus of science, technology and talent. We value equity, inclusion, and transparency. As a collective, we are building an organization focused on being impact-driven, customer-focused, and growth-oriented as a force for good in the world. We value fairness, inclusion, transparency, and impact, and we aim to ensure that transformative technologies like AI are governed responsibly. Our previous AI policy work has included: - Developing AI safety policy proposals that have shaped government policy. - Analyzing AI companies' preparedness frameworks for the National Institute of Standards and Technology. - Submitting recommendations to inform the administration's AI Action Plan (see our response to the Action Plan here). - Hosting private convenings, including with administration officials and members of Congress, at the intersection of AI and various global risks, including cybersecurity, biosecurity, nuclear weapons. - Publishing policy memos at the intersection of AI and energy in collaboration with leading researchers. - Working with scientists and policymakers to share ideas on how AI can accelerate scientific research. - Creating policy proposals for AI specifically targeted at Congress, and directly briefing these ideas to staffers on Capitol Hill. - Launching an ongoing policy development sprint to promote fair and trustworthy AI. - Publishing a detailed report on the performance and bias of facial recognition systems. Work Environment This is a one-year, full-time, fully benefited position. Continuation beyond the initial one-year term is contingent on organizational financial standing and continued funding availability, as well as FAS organizational needs and mutual interest. This position will be a hybrid role based in Washington DC. Meaning that both remote and in-person work can be accommodated, generally two to three days per week on-site, and two to three days per week remote depending on the needs of the organization. This position is included in a union-represented collective bargaining unit, and specific terms and conditions of employment are subject to collective bargaining. Salary Range - $75,000 - $90,000 Benefits FAS offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package that supports employees' health, financial security, and overall well-being. Benefits include a competitive 403(b) retirement plan, medical, dental, and vision coverage, short-term and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, employee assistance support, pre-tax benefits such as healthcare and dependent care FSAs, and commuter benefits. Hiring Statement Don't check off every box? Apply anyway! Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every listed qualification. At FAS we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, and developing new voices. If you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway - you might just be the right candidate. The Federation of American Scientists is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. The Federation of American Scientists prohibits discriminating against employees and job applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose the compensation of the employee or applicant or another employee or applicant. Employment is contingent on successful verification of eligibility to work in the United States. Please note that we are unable to offer employment sponsorship for this role.

Title: Senior Manager, Climate Tech and Innovation Location: Washington DC, DC Job Description: Senior Manager, Climate Tech and Innovation Full-time FAS staff Washington, DC Why FAS? Does FAS sound like an organization that you would be energized to join? Is it aligned to your values? The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) takes quite seriously our role as a beacon and voice for the science community. FAS has a rich history: after the devastating bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, a group of atomic researchers – deeply concerned about the use of science for malice – created an organization committed to using science and technology to benefit humanity. The group they created – the Federation of Atomic Scientists – soon became the Federation of American Scientists in recognition of the hundreds of scientists across diverse disciplines who joined together to speak with one voice for the betterment of the world. Today, we are a group of entrepreneurial, intrepid changemakers, forging a better future for all through the nexus of science, technology and talent. We value equity, inclusion, and transparency. As a collective, we are building an organization focused on being impact-driven, customer-focused, and growth-oriented as a force for good in the world. Skills And Expertise: Must Haves What skills do you need to show proficiency (or higher) in order to be a strong candidate? - At least 8 years of experience relevant to the responsibilities of this role (as described below).Please note each year of higher education beyond high school is considered equivalent to one year of professional experience. - A broad understanding of climate policy and technology, particularly in the U.S. context. - Owns programmatic budget and grant/contract administration (forecasting, tracking, reporting, compliance). - Strong demonstrated project management skills, including: - Ability to break large and complex projects into manageable components and timelines, and to flexibly adjust project plans to changing circumstances. - Ability to track and provide quality control for multiple deliverables associated with a single project. - Ability to coordinate work energetically, enthusiastically, and successfully across diverse teams. - Ability to provide clear direction to project contributors at different levels of seniority, including within and outside of FAS. - Owns a multi-year programmatic roadmap for component workstreams - Sets success metrics/KPIs and reports progress - Leads prioritization tradeoffs across workstreams - Excellent written communication skills, and a demonstrated ability to adapt writing styles to different formats (e.g., reports, policy briefs, concept notes, grant applications, blog posts, and op-eds). - Ability to work independently without close oversight while also contributing as a team player. - A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and pursuing it within the mission of FAS. - Willingness to learn, give, seek and implement feedback. Nice to Haves (but not requirements): - Subject-matter expertise on climate interventions. - Subject-matter expertise on other rapidly emerging areas of climate and clean energy technology, such as advanced grid technology or technology to enhance climate adaptation and resilience. - Established and diverse relationships with policymakers, scientists, technologists, and/or investors committed to advancing the field of climate tech and innovation. - emerging fields of climate technology. - Fundraising experience - People-management experience. To Sum It Up… What’s the “elevator pitch” for the role? The Federation of American Scientists is seeking a Senior Manager, Climate Tech and Innovation. In this role, you will play an integral role in guiding and growing FAS’ emerging program onClimate Tech and Innovation. This program focuses on building support for cutting-edge research in overlooked areas, while harnessing market and economic forces to scale high-impact environmental and climate solutions. A major initial focus of this role will be building support for responsible research into climate interventions and promoting productive, science-based dialogues around climate interventions among policymakers and in the public discourse. Other topics you may explore include: - Expediting development and deployment of advanced electric grid technologies (e.g., smart grids, grid-enhancing components and technologies, grid-integrated storage, etc.). - Catalyzing sustained investment into adaptation and resilience (A&R) technologies. - Strengthening the U.S. innovation ecosystem with respect to climate and the environment. This role reports to FAS’s Associate Director, Climate and Environment. You should apply for this role if the following responsibilities match your strengths and sound like work that you would love to be doing: - Working at the frontiers of where research, technology, financing, and policy intersect on climate and environmental topics, with enthusiasm for both scaling proven approaches as well as for thinking big about ideas that are “so crazy they just might work”. - Building dynamic and unconventional, yet powerful, new coalitions, taking advantage of rapidly shifting political and economic dynamics to rethink who can work productively together. - Thinking creatively and entrepreneurially about how to motivate policy progress on climate tech and innovation, using a variety of tactics (e.g. convening, research synthesis, stakeholder briefing, media engagement, etc.). - Providing direction, oversight, and accountability for a variety of complex, fast-moving projects. - Sharpening budget-management, grant-management, and other high-level administrative skills. - Managing and mentoring talented junior staff. - Co-leading fundraising strategy and pipeline for Climate Tech and Innovation program in partnership with FAS development and senior staff. Work Environment Preference is given to applicants located in or willing to relocate to the Washington, DC area, though fully remote candidates will be considered. If located in Washington, DC, presence in person at FAS offices is expected at least 2 days/week. If fully remote, occasional travel to FAS offices and for stakeholder meetings in Washington, DC will be expected. FAS will cover approved business travel costs. Salary Range $100,000 – $115,000 Hiring Statement Don’t check off every box? Apply anyway! Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every listed qualification. At FAS we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, and developing new voices. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway – you might just be the right candidate. The Federation of American Scientists is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. The Federation of American Scientists prohibits discriminating against employees and job applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose the compensation of the employee or applicant or another employee or applicant. Employment is contingent on successful verification of eligibility to work in the United States.

Title: Senior Advisor, Wildfire Location: Washington DC, DC Job Description: Senior Advisor, Wildfire Part-time, 6-month contract Remote Compensation: Up to $50,000 total, depending on experience and final scope To Sum It Up… What’s the “elevator pitch” for the role? The Federation of American Scientists is seeking an experienced, part-time Senior Advisor, Wildfire to join theLands and Waters Program on our growingClimate and Environment team for a 6-month contract. The Senior Advisor will provide support and expertise to grow FAS’s work building wildfire resilience at the state and regional level through policy innovation and creative collaborations. Ourwildfire resilience program works to build a more fire-resilient nation through policy development and analysis (especially in partnership with experts and communities), capacity building, and issue education. The Senior Advisor will report to the Senior Manager, Lands and Waters. Skills and Expertise: Must Haves What skills do you need to show proficiency (or higher) in order to be a strong candidate? - At least 10 years of experience directly or closely related to wildfire management and/or policy (e.g., forest management planning at a natural resources agency; wildland firefighting; fire technology development; emergency management); - Substantial experience working collaboratively to build wildfire resilience at the state and/or regional level with demonstrable results in policy or practice change; - Strong relationships with state-based organizations and/or stakeholders engaged in wildfire resilience work in one or more Western U.S. states; - Strong writing, editing, communication, and collaboration skills; - Enthusiasm for strengthening bridges between the science and policy communities; - A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and pursuing it within the mission of FAS and within the broader wildfire community. Preferred Skills and Experience - Direct experience building and/or deploying technology for wildfire risk reduction or post-fire recovery; - Direct experience designing and publishing wildfire-relevant science or data products; - Qualitative research experience; - Bachelor’s and/or advanced degree in ecology, environmental science, emergency management, engineering, public policy, economics, or related field. Core Responsibilities - Leverage and build relationships with state and regional leaders and innovators to identify barriers to and opportunities for public policy that supports wildfire resilience; - Identify policy and capacity-building approaches to wildfire resilience that could be replicated across states or regions, with a focus on leveraging science, data, and technology; - Serve as an expert voice on behalf of FAS in policy dialogues, convenings, and publications, including contributing to and elevating relevant insights from FAS work where appropriate; - Identify new state wildfire policy developments relevant to program objectives and provide quick-turnaround analysis of their merits and potential pitfalls internally and externally; - Perform other duties as needed and assigned. Work Environment This position is fully remote; however, if the selected candidate is located in Washington, DC, presence in person at FAS offices can be accommodated. Occasional travel to FAS offices in Washington, D.C. and to stakeholder meetings in Western U.S. region will be expected. FAS will cover approved business travel costs. Compensation Range Compensation is up to $50,000 total for the 6-month contract, depending on experience and final scope of work. This role is expected to be part-time, with scope and time commitment finalized during the contracting process. Why FAS? Does FAS sound like an organization that you would be energized to join? Is it aligned with your values? The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) takes quite seriously our role as a beacon and voice for the science community. FAS has a rich history: after the devastating bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, a group of atomic researchers – deeply concerned about the use of science for malice – created an organization committed to using science and technology to benefit humanity. The group they created – the Federation of Atomic Scientists – soon became the Federation of American Scientists in recognition of the hundreds of scientists across diverse disciplines who joined together to speak with one voice for the betterment of the world. Today, we are a group of entrepreneurial, intrepid changemakers, forging a better future for all through the nexus of science, technology and talent. We value equity, inclusion, and transparency. As a collective, we are building an organization focused on being impact-driven, customer-focused, and growth-oriented as a force for good in the world. Hiring Statement Don’t check off every box? Apply anyway! Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every listed qualification. At FAS we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, and developing new voices. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway – you might just be the right candidate. The Federation of American Scientists is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. The Federation of American Scientists prohibits discriminating against employees and job applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose the compensation of the employee or applicant or another employee or applicant.

Title: associate climate and health Location: Washington, DC, United States Job Description: full-time FAS staff $60,000 – $65,000 Associate, Climate and Health The Federation of American Scientists is hiring an Associate, Climate and Health, to join our growing Climate and Environment team. You will focus on supporting our Climate and Health sub-program, but may flex to support other sub-programs (Lands and Waters, Climate Tech and Innovation, and the Center for Regulatory Ingenuity) as needed. On Climate and Health, you will support our efforts to mobilize organizations, experts, and policymakers around policy that (1) addresses the climate-related drivers of health and (2) builds more climate resilient health systems. For example, our Heat Policy Agendas has coalesced hundreds of stakeholders around shared goals for addressing the issue of extreme heat at all levels of government. In particular, the associate will support network and coalition building, creating the recruitment mechanisms, relationship stewardship systems, coordination infrastructure, and outreach and mobilization strategies necessary to affect change on issues ranging from extreme heat to wildfires. You will report to the Senior Manager, Climate and Health. The ideal candidate for this role will be skilled in project management, relationship building, and written and oral communication. You will also be a self starter who regularly seeks out opportunities for impact and is naturally collaborative with an understanding of how to work with others towards shared goals. You will be eager to be constantly learning, through keeping up to date with the latest research, attending events, and speaking with experts and policymakers. Skills and Expertise What skills do you need to show proficiency (or higher) in order to be a strong candidate? Required - Experience or course work related to climate and the environment, public health, and/or public policy - Excellent writing skills, and capacity to write both independently and with co-authors - Ability to coordinate, engage, and support stakeholders toward shared goals - Strong organization and project management skills; a demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and projects concurrently - Exemplary oral communication and capabilities for people-centered relational management and networking - A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and pursuing it within the mission of FAS Preferred skills - Experience working in community organizing, coalition stewardship, and/or policy campaigns - Knowledge of state-level legislatures, administrations, and political landscapes - An understanding of issues at the climate-health nexus, like extreme heat and wildfires, and potential policy solutions What will some of your responsibilities entail? - Aid building and maintaining expert networks - Form and deepen relationships with a broad range of organizations, experts, practitioners, and policymakers interested in addressing the impacts of climate change on health and livelihoods - Facilitate efficient and effective collaboration among the network towards shared goals and objectives - Steward formal and informal working groups, including scheduling meetings, developing effective agendas, and capturing and distributing notes and action items - Identify and pursue opportunities to engage members of the network on policy windows. - Work with program leadership to strategically extend and diversify networks - Support efforts to advance policy change at the state and local level - Track trends at the state and local level related to a broad variety of climate and environmental issues, with an emphasis on issues at the climate-health nexus - Support program leadership in identifying where FAS is well-suited to collaborate with state and local policymakers, as well as expert and organizational partners, on such issues - Contribute to FAS’s thought leadership on climate and health with an emphasis on issues at the climate-health nexus - Draft and contribute to blogs, issue briefs, and reports - Support on offering technical assistance to policymakers - Catalog and analyze relevant data, research, and information to inform public debate and discourse and strategically shape the media ecosystem Work Environment This position will be a hybrid role. Meaning that both remote and in-person work can be accommodated, generally two to three days per week on-site, and two to three days per week remote depending on the needs of the organization. This position is guaranteed for 12 months. There is potential to extend contingent on job performance, FAS’s organizational needs, and availability of resourcing. This position is included in a union-represented collective bargaining unit, and specific terms and conditions of employment are subject to collective bargaining. Salary Range - $60,000-$65,000 Benefits FAS offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package that supports employees’ health, financial security, and overall well-being. Benefits include a competitive 403(b) retirement plan, medical, dental, and vision coverage, short-term and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, employee assistance support, pre-tax benefits such as healthcare and dependent care FSAs, and commuter benefits. Why FAS? Does FAS sound like an organization that you would be energized to join? Is it aligned to your values? The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) takes quite seriously our role as a beacon and voice for the science community. FAS has a rich history: after the devastating bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, a group of atomic researchers – deeply concerned about the use of science for malice – created an organization committed to using science and technology to benefit humanity. The group they created – the Federation of Atomic Scientists – soon became the Federation of American Scientists in recognition of the hundreds of scientists across diverse disciplines who joined together to speak with one voice for the betterment of the world. Today, we are a group of entrepreneurial, intrepid changemakers, forging a better future for all through the nexus of science, technology and talent. We value equity, inclusion, and transparency. As a collective, we are building an organization focused on being impact-driven, customer-focused, and growth-oriented as a force for good in the world. Hiring Statement Don’t check off every box? Apply anyway! Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every listed qualification. At FAS we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, and developing new voices. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway – you might just be the right candidate. The Federation of American Scientists is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. The Federation of American Scientists prohibits discriminating against employees and job applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose the compensation of the employee or applicant or another employee or applicant. Employment is contingent on successful verification of eligibility to work in the United States.