Senior AI Fellow at the California Department of Technology

Update 7/24/2026: This position has been re-posted, all previously received applications remain under consideration.

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. CCST’s mission has become increasingly critical given the novel challenges in the governance of frontier 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 California Department of Technology (CDT, this position) and the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES, 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 CDT, 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 – CDT

Senior AI Fellows – CDT will be placed in the California Department of Technology (CDT). CDT leads the state’s drive to deliver clear, fast, dependable, and equitable public services. It provides for the delivery of digital government services through the oversight of statewide IT strategic planning, project delivery, procurement, policy and standards, and enterprise architecture.

The Senior AI Fellow will support CDT’s work on AI policy, safety, governance, and adoption issues, in particular, as it relates to frontier AI safety, risk management, models, developers, and relevant thresholds, as outlined in recent California AI safety legislation. They will work with science and technology staff from within and beyond the State government.

This position will be formally employed by CCST and placed in CDT 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 CDT staff and participate in staff meetings.

Description of Responsibilities

A Senior AI Fellow – CDT 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 CDT, this position is expected to report directly to the AI Science Advisor, a senior level embedded technical expert, who in turn reports to Vera Zakem, State Chief Technology Innovation Officer. They will also collaborate with other senior leaders at CDT and with the AI Science Residency Program Manager (or delegate) at CCST.

Key responsibilities of the Senior AI Fellow include:

• Respond to requests from CDT to summarize, synthesize, and advise on quantitative and qualitative analysis of stakeholder input received from public input channels, per recent California AI safety legislation.
• Respond to requests from CDT to contribute to the development of a report including providing written content to the State Legislature with findings and recommendations.
• Support CDT staff and AI Science Advisor through connecting and coordinating with AI governance leads across internal offices and divisions.

Additional responsibilities of the Senior AI Fellow may include:

• Respond to requests from CDT leadership team for information, analysis, evaluation, advice, or execution support related to AI adoption, governance, safety, and security.
• In consultation with CDT and AI Science Advisor, solicit information and ideas from, and where applicable support coordination with, 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 convening policymakers among executive branch agencies and relevant technical and scientific experts on cross-cutting AI adoption, governance and safety issues.
• Assist in identifying critical emerging AI adoption and/or governance opportunities or challenges that may be of concern to CDT.
• Support CDT’s efforts to responsibly and ethically leverage AI to modernize government service delivery.

Senior AI Fellows will collaborate as needed with staff across all levels at CalOES, 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 AI system monitoring.
• Willing and available to serve full-time in CDT 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 and/or deploying AI frontier models.
• At least 2-5 years of professional experience in technology, 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.

Desired qualities:

• Ability to travel to Sacramento on an as needed basis for in-person meetings.

The Senior AI Fellow shall be subject to the California Political Reform Act, including the requirement to submit a Statement of Economic Interest, and shall abide by CDT’s Incompatible Activities Statement and all associated Personnel Policies. Records created in the Senior AI Fellow’s capacity as CDT Advisor will be subject to the California Public Records Act.

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

The Senior AI Fellow – CDT must be physically based in California. The position requires close collaboration with CDT. The position can be done remotely with occasional travel to Sacramento. Assistance with covering eligible relocation costs to the Sacramento region or travel expenses to Sacramento are available 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.

Applicants who successfully complete their first-round interview will be asked to provide a writing sample.

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

###

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 CDT
The California Department of Technology (CDT) leads the state’s drive to deliver clear, fast, dependable, and equitable public services. It provides for the delivery of digital government services through the oversight of statewide IT strategic planning, project delivery, procurement, policy and standards, and enterprise architecture.

CDT is tasked with securing statewide information assets by providing oversight and infrastructure for many state departments and serves as the custodian of information for mission-critical and essential business applications. Home to the State Data Center, CDT provides infrastructure services for government customers that include on-premises and cloud-based services.

CDT is leading statewide broadband planning and execution to deliver digital equity and reliability for all Californians. The Director of CDT is also the State Chief Information Officer (CIO), and advises the Governor on the strategic management and direction of the state’s IT resources and policies.