Technical Policy Researcher

Job Type:

Diversity at RAND

Diversity, equity, and inclusivity are essential operating principles at RAND. We are committed to maintaining a collegial environment that respects the contributions and dignity of all staff, where individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths. This commitment is guided by an organization-wide framework for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, and paired with significant investments to sustain and center these principles in leadership, research, and community and stakeholder engagement. An advisory council comprised of staff at all levels provides critical feedback and perspective on the organization's diversity, equity, and inclusion plans and activities. Employee Resource Groups are staff-driven grassroots communities that seek to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion at RAND by facilitating community, connection, and a greater sense of belonging and well-being among colleagues. In our recruitment and retention efforts, we seek unique backgrounds, original views, and diversity in academic training, work experience, and ideological outlook.

Position Description

RAND is seeking highly motivated researchers who would like to use their technical skills and experience to directly impact National and Homeland Security policies at the highest level. As part of RAND’s research staff, Technical Policy Researchers conduct research that assists public policy makers at all levels and the public at large in efforts to strengthen the nation's economy, maintain its security, and improve quality of life. Technical Policy Researchers are expected to bring technical expertise to interdisciplinary teams to bear on a wide range of National and Homeland Security policy problems across RAND’s research agendas. They apply their skills in novel and flexible ways to emerging problems at the cutting edge of their fields and apply their insights to critical policy issues.

Responsibilities

Technical Policy Researchers will use their technical skills (e.g., in engineering, operations research, applied mathematics, physical sciences, and related fields) to:

• Develop research approaches to solve complex policy problems.

• Execute this research using a broad range of analytically rigorous, quantitative and/or qualitative research tools, methods, and skills.

• Interpret research results to support decision-making surrounding complex government policy problems.

• Communicate research results to public policy makers at all levels through written products and oral presentations.

Qualifications

All research positions at RAND require excellent analytic skills; the ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English, 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.

Successful applicants will be able to present strong evidence of research experience, demonstrated through authorship of academic publications, conference presentations, or prior professional reports.

Successful applicants with more than 10 years of professional experience will have demonstrated leadership experience through the following activities: mentoring and developing junior staff members, leading and directing multi-disciplinary teams, setting project standards and monitoring progress, engaging with stakeholders, and communicating research results to policy-making audiences.

Education Requirements

A Ph.D. in engineering, operations research, applied mathematics, physical sciences, or related fields is preferred.  A master’s degree with at least 5 years of relevant professional experience, or a bachelor’s degree with at least 10 years of relevant professional experience, is required. This relevant professional experience should demonstrate the applicant’s ability to design, execute and disseminate results of research using analytically rigorous methods.

Security Clearance

Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance. Please note that U.S. citizenship is required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.

Location

Santa Monica, CA; Washington, DC; Pittsburgh, PA

Salary Range

Associate Researcher: $94,800 - $148,350

Full Researcher: $109,600 - $181,075

Senior Researcher: $145,500 - $251,175

Hiring ranges for Economists, Management Scientists and Physician Researchers are slightly higher than the ranges shown.

RAND considers a variety of factors when formulating an offer, including but not limited to,