The Foundation for American Innovation champions the technology, talent, and ideas essential to American prosperity, security, and flourishing. We are builders, hackers, and scholars advancing an optimistic vision of the future—aligning technology with human ends to forge a more perfect union between innovation and the American republic.
To support this mission, FAI is seeking a research fellow to join the team.
Reporting to the Director of Science Policy, this person will be responsible for producing original research and commentary, developing policy events and convenings, and supporting FAI's science policy team, with an emphasis on work around atmospheric science, weather data infrastructure, weather modification, and climate intervention governance. This full-time position is based in Washington, DC. We seek an energetic, motivated, and detail-oriented individual to enhance our capabilities, execute key priorities, and grow quickly into a crucial resource for staff and scholars. The ideal candidate recently worked in a technical or policy role at a weather or atmospheric sciences company or laboratory and/or in a policy role in government and is looking to apply those experiences at a think tank.
Responsibilities
- Conduct original, non-partisan research on weather data and modification, atmospheric interventions and sciences, and related national security, agricultural, and technology policy issues.
- Foster collaboration with, educate, and engage a diverse array of stakeholders, including policymakers and the general public, to inform academic and policy discussions regarding weather data infrastructure, weather modification, and climate intervention governance.
- Support programming for FAI fellowships and events, including speaking on panels, educational briefings, and curating expert speakers.
- Periodic travel for FAI events in major U.S. innovation hubs.
Qualifications
- Enthusiastic support for FAI's mission and a keen interest in our community of builders, hackers, and policy experts.
- Prior experience working in the public sector (Capitol Hill, executive agencies, federal court clerkships, etc.)
- Refined writing and communication skills.
- Fluency with academic/think tank research best practices and style. The ideal candidate has a past publication history in policy journals and national media outlets.
- Extreme attention to detail. Enjoys working in the weeds.
- Deep expertise in one or more areas of weather and atmospheric policy, including data infrastructure, observational systems, weather modification governance, or geoengineering policy; can confidently say, "I'm an expert in X," and nitpick other people's work in that area. Relevant policy areas for this role may include: NOAA and NWS programs, satellite and radar infrastructure, precipitation management, solar radiation management, or AI-driven forecasting.
- Bonus but not required: college or advanced degree in a related field (e.g., atmospheric science, meteorology, earth systems science, physics, national security studies, public policy); programming or data skills. Sufficient experience in industry or non-traditional pathways are welcome.
Benefits and Perks
- Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
- 401(k) match up to 6%
- $1,000 annual book credit
- Monthly commuter benefit
- Unlimited vacation policy
- Dynamic work schedule in a hybrid office environment in Washington, DC, with free snacks & drinks.
- The projected salary range for this role is $75,000–$120,000 per year, commensurate with experience.
To apply, please complete this form.
FAI is an equal-opportunity employer. We review applications for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, uniformed services, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, or any other basis prohibited by law.
