Opportunity Details

Program Overview

The Horizon Fellowship places experts in AI, biotechnology, and other emerging technologies in federal agencies, congressional offices and committees, and leading think tanks in Washington, DC for up to two years. Fellows receive comprehensive training, networking opportunities, and access to a supportive community of 85+ other fellows and alumni to launch their careers in public service.

Emerging technologies like AI and biotechnology are rapidly reshaping many domains, from healthcare and science to national security and the economy. The US government plays a critical role in developing and governing these technologies, but it often struggles to find and retain the requisite technical expertise.

Horizon fellows help bridge this gap, bringing subject-matter knowledge and experience to these pressing issues. As a fellow, you’ll join a community of dedicated professionals working on these challenges, allowing you to apply your expertise to real-world policy issues and launch a career in public service.

What fellows do

Fellows are placed in full-time policy roles that match their expertise, goals, and interests. Past fellows have placed at dozens of organizations and offices, including:

• Department of Energy’s Office of Critical & Emerging Technologies
• Senate Commerce Committee
• Foundation for American Innovation
• House Energy & Commerce Committee
• Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
• Center for Security and Emerging Technology

As a fellow, you’ll gain first-hand policy experience, contribute to impactful work, and build relationships and skills valuable for public service careers. For most fellows, the Horizon Fellowship is only the beginning of their contributions to emerging technology policy. More than 90% of our dozens of alumni have transitioned to full-time roles in policy and government after their fellowship ended, including in roles at the State Department, the Department of Defense, and the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology.

You can learn more about past fellows’ placements and accomplishments at Meet our Fellows and Fellow Accomplishments.

Our initial application form asks for the following items:

• A CV or resume (≤ 2 pages)
• A series of short answer questions on your motivations and experiences (≤ 200 words)

After the initial submission, successful applicants will complete one short work test and a series of interviews. We are committed to using evidence-based best practices in our application and review process to promote diversity  and merit-based selection within our talent pool, such as blind-grading application materials and compensating applicants for their time spent on work tests.

Compensation: $113,000/year equivalent for fellows, $75,000/year equivalent for junior fellows, plus $15,000 in health care support. All fellows and junior fellows can also access a $3,000 professional development stipend and up to $3,000 for relocation to DC, if needed.