GCBR Opportunities: Off-Cycle Update
Special edition of fellowships, workshops, jobs, and other opportunities to work on reducing biological risks.
This is a special off-cycle edition of our quarterly GCBR Organization Updates newsletter (the next set of organization updates will arrive in November). There seems to be an unusual number of exciting biosecurity fellowships and other opportunities open right now, and we wanted to share them with you.
Fellowship Opportunities
Council on Strategic Risks Ending Bioweapons Fellowship
Apply by August 11
“Fellows will gain deep knowledge of what it takes to address biological weapons activities and a strengthened network among biosecurity and biotechnology experts. Moreover, they will become part of an incredible network of alumni”
Part-time, 10-month fellowship (September 2025 - June 2026), with a stipend. Monthly virtual meetings and 3 in-person events. Restricted to citizens of NATO member nations, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and the Republic of South Korea. (Tessa did this fellowship in 2023!)
Christine Mirzayan Science and Technology Policy Graduate Fellowship
Apply by August 20
"This Mirzayan Fellowship offers a unique opportunity to obtain the essential skills and knowledge needed to work in science policy at the federal, state, or local levels"
Full-time, 12-week program (March 2 - May 22, 2026) in Washington, D.C. Hands-on training at the National Academies. Restricted to graduate students in dissertation phase or terminal degree holders within 5 years, based in the US without need for visa sponsorship.
Horizon Institute for Public Service Horizon Fellowship
Apply by August 28
“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”
Full-time, 6-to-12 month fellowship (starting January 2026), with a stipend. Multiple fellowship tracks with different eligibility requirements. Restricted to people with eligibility to work in the USA that are willing to live in Washington, DC. (Anemone is a current Fellow and highly recommends this!)
US NASEM Biotechnology Regulatory Fellowship Program
Apply by August 31
"Fellows will identify new, as needed, regulatory frameworks for the anticipated cutting-edge products expected to emerge over the next several decades and thereby expand options for thoughtful, effective regulation"
Full-time, 6-month fellowship (February 1 - July 31, 2026) in Washington, D.C. with $70,000 stipend. Includes capstone projects with agency mentors. Restricted to U.S. citizens with advanced degrees and 3-5 years of relevant professional experience.
Asia Centre for Health Security Fellowship Program
Apply by September 16
“The ACHS Fellowship Program aims to inspire and connect the next generation of biosecurity leaders and innovators… [it] provides an opportunity for talented graduate students and professionals to deepen their expertise, expand their network, and build their leadership skills”
Part-time, 1-year fellowship (January - December 2026). Mentorship and attendance to several biosecurity events. Restricted to people who are citizens of (or working in) an eligible Asia-Pacific country.
Rosetta Commons Biosecurity Fellowship
Apply on rolling basis until filled
"A unique opportunity to work at the intersection of cutting-edge protein design science and biosecurity policy… Unlike traditional think-tank fellowships that involve policy analysis from a distance, this role offers a unique opportunity to work closely alongside our scientific community, to draw from their perspectives, and help bring our voices to policy discussions"
Remote, 12-month fellowship, part-time (~20 hours/week). Includes travel funding to Rosetta labs and conferences. Requires minimum 15 hours/week commitment and eligibility to travel to US (ideally EU). PhD students need advisor pre-approval.
CNAS Shawn Brimley Next Generation National Security Leaders Fellowship
Apply by September 21
"This year-long, part-time professional development fellowship aims to bring together young professionals across sectors within the national security field to learn best practices and lessons in leadership"
Part-time, 1-year fellowship with dinner series and week-long international study tour. Hybrid format with in-person attendance strongly recommended. Restricted to U.S. citizens ages 27-35 with at least 4 years of professional experience.
Workshop and Conference Opportunities
Apply by August 22
“Apply to this workshop to learn more about policy opportunities in biosurveillance, biodefense, and pandemic preparedness; connect with the leaders shaping decisions in DC; and discover how you can join them in making an impact”
3-day workshop (October 24-26, 2025) in Washington, D.C. Open to professionals considering career transitions into biosecurity policy, particularly at the AI intersection. No prior policy experience required.
NTI | bio Next Generation Biosecurity Delegation
Apply by September 7
“Through this opportunity, we seek to foster an energized, internationally connected, and diverse network of next-generation leaders working to strengthen global biosecurity”
Travel opportunity to Geneva, Switzerland for BWC meetings (December 8-12, 2025). Includes poster session presentation and networking with international experts. Restricted to ages 18-35.
Other Opportunities
Job: Program Officer, AI x Bio, at Sentinel Bio (rolling applications)
Job: SecureBio is looking for an Operations Associate and an Operations Manager. The Nucleic Acid Observatory will soon open hiring rounds for about five additional positions – be sure to keep an eye out on our website and social media channels, as these job posts will go live soon.
Funding: ACX Grants (due August 15). Grants between $5,000 and $50,000, with rare cases up to $100,000. Past projects include development of drugs for treating parasitic worms, platforms for prediction markets, anti-mosquito drones, or artificial kidneys research.
Publication: upcoming Research Topic from Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology: Synthetic Nucleic Acid Technology: The Biosecurity Landscape. Manuscript summary submission deadline November 29.
We regularly solicit updates from a group of organizations that we believe are doing impactful work to reduce GCBRs in order to improve transparency, facilitate collaboration, and otherwise accelerate progress in our community. Do you have any opportunities (jobs, events, etc.) you would like to share with our network? Please use this form to submit them.
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Cover image credit: US National Library of Medicine.