AI Fellow (Summer 2026)

Location: Washington DC Metro Area

Department: General & Admin

The big picture: AI is now central to how Axios builds, operates and innovates. We believe AI is a force multiplier - not a side experiment, not a siloed function, but a capability we are embedding at every level and in every role across the company. This summer, we are hiring an AI Fellow to work directly with our co-founders as an in-house AI guide and builder. One seat. Three months. Real impact.

Why you matter: This is a highly selective opportunity for a technically sophisticated builder who lives and breathes AI, and is eager to apply that expertise inside a fast-moving, mission-driven media company. The AI Summer Fellow will work directly with the founders to track and interpret major developments in large language models and emerging AI tools, prototype new product ideas, and pressure-test initiatives that could meaningfully shape how Axios leverages AI across editorial, product, and business functions. 

This is not a traditional internship. You won’t be shadowing someone. You’ll be the person we’re learning from.

The details:
The AI Fellow will work directly with Axios co-founders and senior leaders to accelerate how AI is embedded across the organization. This role will combine research, prototyping, experimentation, and strategic advisory work.

You will:

• Brief founders and leadership on key developments in LLMs and applied AI
• Build and test prototypes for internal tools, workflows, and product ideas
• Pressure-test emerging AI use cases across editorial, revenue, product, and operations
• Identify high-leverage opportunities where AI can meaningfully increase speed, quality, and impact
• Help translate complex technical concepts into clear, practical applications for non-technical leaders

About you:

• You are deeply curious about AI and its real-world applications
• You think in systems and frameworks, not just prompts
• You are comfortable navigating ambiguity and experimenting quickly
• You can clearly explain complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences
• You can operate at both the technical and strategic level — building something in the morning and briefing founders in the afternoon
• Strong preference for a Spring 2026 college graduate
• Strong preference for candidates located in the DC metro area

Skills:

• Extensive experience working hands-on with LLMs and generative AI tools
• Experience building and shipping applied AI projects or prototypes
• Familiarity with model fine-tuning, embeddings, APIs, or AI orchestration frameworks
• Strong problem-solving and structured thinking skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Program details:

• Three-month paid summer fellowship (June 1 to August 31, flexible)
• Full-time, temporary position
• Direct access to founders and senior leadership

The salary for this role is $9,000 - $12,000 per month and is dependent on numerous factors, including but not limited to location, work experience, and skills. This range does not include other compensation or benefits.

Axios is committed to embracing artificial intelligence as a core part of how we work. All team members are expected to actively develop AI literacy and use AI tools to enhance their productivity, creativity, and efficiency. We invest in ongoing learning to ensure every employee is equipped to responsibly and effectively integrate AI into their daily workflows.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Axios is an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, age, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. Axios makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.