Fellow (or Senior Fellow), China and Artificial Intelligence

FELLOW (OR SENIOR FELLOW), CHINA AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

About the Foundation for Defense of Democracies

FDD is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) research institute in Washington, DC, focused on national security and foreign policy. Since 2001, we've produced independent, non-partisan research and analysis to strengthen U.S. national security and support free societies.

The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) seeks to hire a full-time fellow focused on China and artificial intelligence. The successful applicant will have deep interest in Chinese technology policy, AI development, and the geopolitical implications of U.S.-China technological competition, and a demonstrated interest in how the People's Republic of China is developing, deploying, and weaponizing artificial intelligence to advance its military, economic, and geopolitical objectives.

This role will focus specifically on China's AI ecosystem including Beijing's national AI strategy, semiconductor ambitions, leading technology companies, and research laboratories, and its implications for U.S. national security. The fellow will assess how China's AI advances could reshape the global balance of technological and military power, the offensive and defensive risks they pose to the United States, and the policies needed to sustain American technological leadership. The position will emphasize producing policy-relevant analysis and actionable recommendations.

Full-time | Reports to the Senior Director of FDD's China Program

Salary: $145,000-$190,000 annually, based on the candidate's experience and qualifications. Additional benefits are available, including healthcare coverage based on eligibility.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Research and Analysis

• Lead research on China's artificial intelligence ecosystem, including national AI policies, semiconductor development, commercial AI companies, research laboratories, and military applications.
• Analyze how Chinese policymakers and technology leaders view AI competition, including Beijing's strategic objectives, industrial policies, technological capabilities, and efforts to reduce dependence on foreign technology.
• Analyze how the Chinese Communist Party is leveraging AI to support military modernization, surveillance, intelligence collection, and influence operations, including the implications of emerging Chinese AI capabilities for U.S. military and intelligence advantages.
• Assess risks to U.S. national security from China's AI development, including technology transfer, intellectual property theft, supply chain vulnerabilities, and data exploitation, as well as emerging offensive cyber capabilities, AI-enabled military systems, and potential vulnerabilities in U.S. defenses.
• Evaluate China's progress in advanced semiconductors, computing infrastructure, AI models, and related technologies, identifying competitive strengths, structural weaknesses, and implications for U.S. technological leadership.

Policy Recommendations and Publications

• Develop policy recommendations related to export controls, investment screening, supply chain security, and other tools to limit China's access to critical AI inputs while strengthening U.S. competitiveness and protecting American technological advantages.
• Produce high-impact written analysis, including policy briefs, op-eds, testimony, and longer-form research products.

Engagement and Collaboration

• Support congressional and executive branch engagement, including briefings, testimony preparation, and direct policy outreach.
• Serve as a subject-matter expert for policymakers, media, and external stakeholders on China's AI strategy, commercial technology ecosystem, semiconductor development, and the implications of these developments for U.S. national security.
• Collaborate with FDD's other centers and programs on cross-cutting AI issues.
• Participate in public and private events, media and fundraising engagements, and external briefings.

QUALIFICATIONS AND QUALITIES:

• Bachelor's degree and advanced degree required.
• Approximately 5-7 years or more of relevant professional experience preferred, including work in government, Congress, think tanks, technology companies, or policy research organizations focused on artificial intelligence, semiconductors, China, or national security.
• Demonstrated expertise in China's AI and semiconductor ecosystem, including relevant experience in technology policy, industrial strategy, advanced computing, U.S.-China technological competition, China's political system, and Beijing's approach to AI governance.
• Established record of published research or policy analysis on relevant issues, with the ability to develop and execute an independent research agenda.
• Superior writing, research, and analytical skills, with a record of producing policy-relevant work.
• Ability to communicate complex technical and policy issues to senior policymakers and non-specialist audiences.
• Strong judgment, professionalism, and ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Experience engaging with Congress, the executive branch, or policy-relevant stakeholders preferred.
• Chinese language proficiency preferred, but not required.

This role has a projected salary band of $145,000-$190,000 per year, based on the candidate's experience and qualifications. Additional benefits are available, including healthcare coverage based on eligibility.

Interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a resume, writing sample, and brief cover letter describing (1) your experience researching China's artificial intelligence ecosystem and its implications for U.S. national security and (2) your interest in FDD's mission. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Please submit to FDD Human Resources (hr2@fdd.org)

FDD is an equal opportunity employer. If you require an accommodation in order to apply for this position, please contact Jean Thurman at jean@fdd.org or (202) 207-0190.

For more information, please visit FDD.org and follow FDD on X @FDD.