Senior AI Fellow at the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services

Overview

The California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) is a non-partisan, nonprofit organization that exists to make California’s policies stronger with science and technology. This mission has become increasingly critical in an age of artificial intelligence (AI). In response, CCST is placing a cohort of AI experts in key executive agencies through its AI Science Residency Program. The first cohort of CCST’s Senior AI Fellows will be offered a one-year placement (with a possibility of extension pending funding) to support this work in the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES, this position) and the California Department of Technology (CDT, click here for the position description).

During their year of public service, CCST Senior AI Fellows have the opportunity to learn about the craft and process of AI governance in California. As full-time staff members placed at Cal OES, Senior AI Fellows work alongside decision-makers to evaluate complex AI-related scientific issues and interpret data while tackling the responsibilities of full-time staffers.

Senior AI Fellows use transferable skills from their studies such as research, writing, and analysis in their daily work. CCST also offers various policy training and professional development opportunities that will be embedded throughout the yearlong program.

Placement Office – Cal OES

The Senior AI Fellows – Cal OES will be placed in the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) Cybersecurity Integration Center (Cal-CSIC), which is part of Cal OES’ Homeland Security Division. Cal OES serves as the state’s leadership hub during all major emergencies and disasters.

The Senior AI Fellow will support Cal OES’ work on state-level AI policy and governance issues, in particular, recent legislation relating to AI safety, transparency, catastrophic risk management, critical safety incidents, and other AI policy issues. They will collaborate with science and technology staff within the State and with external partners.

This position will be formally employed by CCST and placed in Cal OES on a full-time basis via a formal memorandum of understanding between CCST and the placement office. The Senior AI Fellow will work as part of Cal OES staff and participate in staff meetings.

Description of Responsibilities

A Senior AI Fellow – Cal OES will serve as technical advisor on state-level AI policy and governance issues, in particular, recent California legislation relating to AI safety, transparency, catastrophic risk management, critical safety incidents, and other AI policy issues. It is important that Senior AI Fellows serve as honest brokers willing to work with industry, academia, and communities, as well as the public sector. The Senior AI Fellow must also be adept at communicating complex ideas in a clear and concise manner.

Within Cal OES, this position is expected to report to the AI Science Advisor, an embedded technical expert, who in turn reports to Cal-CSIC Commander Matt Sage. They will also work closely with the Homeland Security Cyber Policy Team Lead at Cal OES and the AI Science Residency Program Manager (or delegate) at CCST.

Key responsibilities of the Senior AI Fellow include:

• Respond to requests from Cal OES leadership team for information, analysis, evaluation, or advice related to on frontier and generative AI risk assessment.
• Support Cal OES staff and AI Science Advisor by connecting and coordinating with AI governance teams across internal offices and divisions.

Additional responsibilities of the Senior AI Fellow may include:

• Respond to requests from Cal OES leadership and staff for information, analysis, evaluation, advice, or execution support related to AI adoption, governance, safety, risk assessment, and security.
• Solicit information and ideas from a broad range of experts, including but not limited to state agencies, the academic research community, the private sector, federal research facilities and laboratories, foundations, Native American Tribes, community groups, and nonprofit organizations.
• Assist in identifying critical emerging AI adoption and/or governance opportunities or challenges and support efforts to address such issues that may be of concern to Cal OES.
• Support efforts to responsibly and ethically leverage AI to modernize government service delivery and strengthen cybersecurity.
• Support efforts to identify and address AI-related cybersecurity risks to critical infrastructure and state networks.

Senior AI Fellows will collaborate as needed with staff across all levels at Cal OES, CCST staff, CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellows, and different state, tribal, community, academic, and industry partners.

Position Requirements

• Be in possession of either:
  • a graduate degree AND subject matter expertise on AI policy and governance OR
  • multiple years of specialized experience in multiple topics covering frontier AI, AI foundation models, AI safety and safety incidents, AI standards, AI risks, risk assessments, and risk mitigation, AI transparency, AI accountability, cybersecurity, and/or AI system monitoring.
• Willing and available to serve full-time in Cal OES for at least 1 year, with an ideal start date of September 2026.

Preferred qualifications:

• A sincere interest in California current events and state policy making and political processes on AI.
• Experience developing, training, deploying and/or evaluating AI frontier models.
• At least 2-5 years of professional experience in technology or cybersecurity, preferably with some experience specific to AI, in the public, private, non-profit, or academic sectors (if you believe your experience and qualifications align with this role but do not meet this requirement, we still encourage you to apply).
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, critical and analytic thinking skills, and ability to synthesize information to reach diverse audiences.
• A proficiency in translating complex scientific data on AI into clear, concise writing for a non-technical audience.
• Demonstrated interest in public service, especially California policy and state legislative priorities, as well as AI adoption, policy, and governance.
• A broad understanding of and curiosity for other science and technology fields, disciplines, and industries related to AI policy and governance.
• A knack for dealing with technical information outside one’s own specialty.
• An appreciation for the talents of individuals with differing backgrounds and credentials.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and commitment to continuous learning and collaboration, with ability to work as a team member, as well as ability to work in a remote or virtual environment as necessary.

The Senior AI Fellow shall abide by Cal OES’ Incompatible Activities Statement and all associated Personnel Policies.

Salary

We expect the salary range to be between $120,000 and $150,000 annually, dependent on expertise and experience.

As an employee of CCST, this position will be eligible for CCST’s comprehensive benefits package. CCST’s benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage for you and eligible family members; opportunity to participate in CCST’s 403b retirement plan; relocation assistance; paid holidays; time off for vacation, sick, and volunteer service; and group life coverage. CCST is driven by a nonprofit vision, inviting you to contribute meaningfully to building the future, making a positive impact every day, and fostering personal and career growth in a supportive work environment.

Location

Anywhere in California (hybrid), with reimbursements for regular travel to Sacramento available.

The Senior AI Fellow must be physically based in California. The position requires close collaboration with teams across Cal OES, so regular presence in Sacramento (approximately two days per week) is needed to facilitate in-person meetings and events. Assistance is available for covering eligible relocation costs to the Sacramento region, travel expenses to Sacramento, and overnight stays, if needed.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work full-time in the United States as a U.S. citizen or national, asylee, refugee, lawful permanent resident, or other holders of Employment Authorization Documents. CCST will not sponsor a work visa.

To Apply

Apply for this position by submitting a cover letter and CV through our online portal, including names and contact information of 2 professional references.

URL: https://www.tfaforms.com/5217955

You will need to submit:

• A cover letter explaining:
  • Interest in the position and placement office(s)
  • Degree and years of experience in relevant fields and positions
  • Fit between the candidate’s skills and the desired qualifications (including examples from prior experience)
• Your most recent CV or resume
• Names and contact information (phone number and email) of 2 professional references, to be contacted at the next stage.

Please consider answering the voluntary questions on demographic data and where you learned about this position – this information helps us understand how we can continue to improve our recruitment processes to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workforce.

The California Council on Science and Technology is an equal opportunity employer. We make hiring decisions based on qualifications, merit, and our organization’s business needs. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, veteran status, pregnancy, or any such status protected under federal, state, or local law.

For additional information about the opportunity, please contact AI Science Residency Program Manager Henriette Canino at [email protected]. All applications and inquiries will receive a response and be kept strictly confidential.

Application Deadline

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Timely applications are strongly encouraged.

Apply

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About CCST
The California Council on Science and Technology is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization established via the California State Legislature in 1988. Modeled on the National Research Council (NRC) of the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM), CCST is a unique, impartial resource for science and policy partnerships with California policymakers, such as those within the Governor’s Office, Agencies, and the Legislature. As a trusted advisor, CCST strengthens and informs California policy with scientific knowledge and innovation across technology, physical sciences, life sciences, and social sciences. This helps improve the lives of Californians, ensures the state remains a leader in technology and innovation, and guides global progress towards a healthy economy, society, and environment.

About Cal OES
The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) serves as the state’s leadership hub during all major emergencies and disasters. This includes responding, directing, and coordinating state and federal resources and mutual aid assets across all regions to support the diverse communities across the state.

Cal OES also supports local jurisdictions and communities through planning and preparedness activities, training, and facilitating the immediate response to an emergency through the longer‐term recovery phase. During this process, Cal OES serves as the state’s overall coordinator and agent to secure federal government resources through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.