Research Lead - AI Security Policy

Location: Washington, DC (DC Metro Area)

Time Type: Full time

Job Description

Job Type:

Position Description

RAND’s Center on AI, Security, and Technology (CAST), part of the Global and Emerging Risks (GER) Division conducts cutting-edge research on transformative, high-impact technologies—including artificial intelligence and biotechnology—to shape policies that protect global security and advance the public good.  

You’ll lead our engagement with the White House, regulatory agencies, the intelligence community, and other national governments. You'll leverage your policy network to identify emerging opportunities and challenges, utilize your understanding of policy needs to drive research work at RAND CAST, translate technical AI security conclusions into actionable policy recommendations, and ensure RAND's expertise informs key policy decisions.

This position requires active participation in Washington's policy community. You'll organize and lead policy roundtables and briefings, represent RAND in congressional testimonies and agency meetings, and maintain a regular presence at key policy forums and events. You'll also be involved in policy working groups and industry consortia, working closely with our technical teams to develop and communicate policy-relevant insights.

This position is structured as a two-year appointment with options to renew and explore opportunities for longer-term employment at RAND thereafter.

RAND's reputation for excellence is built on our commitment to high-quality, rigorous analysis and objectivity. As a Research Lead - AI Security Policy, you'll maintain that excellence while engaging with some of the most pressing challenges of our time.

Qualifications

All research positions at RAND require excellent analytic skills; the ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing; the ability to work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team; and a strong commitment to RAND's core values of quality and objectivity.

Required:

• 6+ years of policy experience, with a focus on cybersecurity or emerging technology

• Strong relationships and credibility in the cybersecurity or technology policy fields

• Familiarity with U.S. cybersecurity agencies, authorities, and policy development processes

• Experience with advising non-technical stakeholders on technical topics

• Strong ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing

• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment

• Fluency with MS Office suite

Preferred:

• Experience working with or for congressional committees, regulatory agencies, or executive branch offices

• Technical experience in security engineering, software engineering, firmware engineering, hardware engineering, or related fields

• Understanding of advanced persistent threat (APT) tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) and experience with defending against them

• Familiarity with the AI/ML hardware and software stack

• Experience working on AI research, ML model training, or model deployment

• Experience with securing AI systems

Education Requirements

RAND is hiring a Research Lead at either the specialist or expert level of experience. Minimum education requirements at the specialist level include:

A PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Cybersecurity, Information Security, Information Technology, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Applied Physics, Engineering Physics, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Engineering and Public Policy, Technology and Policy, National Security Policy, Policy Analysis, Political Science, International Relations, or a Juris Doctor (J.D.) or similar with at least 3 years of relevant professional experience, is required.

OR

A Master’s degree in the fields listed above with at least 6 years of relevant professional experience, is required.

OR

A Bachelor’s degree in the fields listed above with at least 8 years of relevant professional experience, is required.

Master’s, J.D. or PhD preferred.

Security Clearance

Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government clearance is required.

Location

This role is located at our RAND office in Washington, DC. We offer a hybrid work arrangement, combining work from home and on-site options.

Writing Sample

A writing sample is required for this position. This sample can use a recent, previously written paper or technical report (e.g., journal article, master’s thesis or paper written for coursework, research project, technical analysis, briefings).

Term

This position is a three-year term appointment with a possibility of renewal, alongside options for longer term employment.

Salary Range: $146,200 - $261,400 

Visiting Technical Specialist = $$146,200 - $211,900 

Visiting Technical Expert = $167,300 - $261,400 

RAND considers a variety of factors when formulating an offer, including but not limited to, the specific role and associated responsibilities; a candidate’s work experience, education/training, skills, expertise; and internal equity. Successful candidates will be offered employment in a specific title, as determined by the candidate’s education and experience. The salary range includes base pay plus RAND’s sabbatic pay (which provides additional compensation above base pay when vacation is taken). In addition, RAND provides strong benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, paid time-off and more.

Equal Opportunity Employer