AI & Biosecurity Research Resident

Job Type:

Term (Fixed Term)

Overview

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.

Your work will address key questions related to global and emerging AI and biosecurity risks, understanding options for prevention and resilience, and examining their policy implications.

You will communicate the results of your work to both technical and non-technical audiences through quick-turnaround policy briefs and detailed written research products. A recent example of one of our research products is the Synthesis Screening report, which examined the current state of nucleic acid synthesis screening and offered recommendations for policymakers and industry leaders to further secure these technologies.

RAND's reputation for excellence is built on our commitment to high-quality, rigorous analysis and objectivity. In this role, you will apply quantitative and qualitative skills to rigorously analyze AI and biosecurity problems of national and international importance.

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.

In addition, successful applicants will have:

• Experience in nucleic acid synthesis, AI-enabled biodesign, dual-use research of concern, potential pandemic pathogens, personal protective equipment, bioterrorism, or pathogen agnostic biosurveillance preferred.

• Demonstrated knowledge and ability to analyze or implement policies involving strategy, doctrine, operations, tactics, systems or organization.

• Ability for quantitative analysis and modeling, including modeling of uncertainty.

• Experience in government, intelligence community, or other relevant decision-making offices preferred, but not required.

• Ability to present evidence of research experience, demonstrated through authorship of academic publications, conference presentations, or prior professional reports.

Education & Experience Requirements

RAND is hiring multiple AI & Biosecurity Research Residents at the Associate and Specialist levels of experience. Minimum education and experience requirements at the Associate level include:

A PhD in Statistics, Biostatistics, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Geology, or other natural and physical sciences is required – OR – PhD or equivalent in Policy Analysis or any technical discipline, Health Services Management, Public Health, Epidemiology or Business, is required.

OR

A Master’s degree in the fields listed above with at least 3 years of relevant professional experience, is required.

OR

A Bachelor’s degree in the fields listed above with at least 5 years of relevant professional experience, is required.

Security Clearance

Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government clearance is preferred but not required.

Location

We are hiring for this position in San Francisco, CA; Washington, DC; Santa Monica, CA; Pittsburgh, PA; and Boston, MA. We offer a hybrid work arrangement, combining work from home and on-site options. Fully remote work will also be considered.

Writing Sample

Successful applications will include documentation in the application package of academic and professional activities that meet stated qualifications. A writing sample of 3 pages or more is required for this position. Applicants are encouraged to use recent pieces that have been published in academic or other journals, but may use master’s theses or papers written for coursework, prior employment, or internships.

Term

This position is a 2-year term appointment with a possibility of renewal, alongside options for longer term employment.

Salary Range: $123,000 - $221,600

Biosecurity Resident, Associate = $123,100 - $178,500

Biosecurity Resident, Specialist = $141,800 - $221,600

RAND considers a variety of factors w