Research Lead

Job Type:

Term (Fixed Term)

Position Description

RAND's Meselson Center , part of the Global and Emerging Risks (GER) division , is seeking an accomplished technical leader to drive our ambitious frontier AI security research agenda. As Research Lead - Securing Frontier AI, you'll direct a comprehensive research portfolio focused on ensuring that the world's most important AI systems are appropriately secured and addressing critical challenges at the intersection of AI, information security, and national security.

You will be responsible for managing significant research budgets and personnel, overseeing complex technical research and policy analysis projects, and leading multidisciplinary teams of policy researchers, engineers, and scientists. Your work will shape recommendations for the White House, regulatory agencies, the intelligence community, other national governments, and industry leaders.

Your team will communicate findings to both technical and non-technical audiences through quick-turnaround policy briefs and detailed technical analyses. A recent example of one of our research products is the Securing AI Model Weights report, which explored protecting frontier AI model weights from theft and misuse.

This position is structured as a focused two-year appointment to create the urgency needed to drive ambitious change in this rapidly evolving field. The appointment may be renewed for an additional year, with options 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 - Securing Frontier AI, you'll have access to RAND's leading researchers, extensive government and industry connections, and world-class analytical resources.

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 technical experience in security engineering, software engineering, firmware engineering, hardware engineering, or related fields
• 6+ years of technical management experience, including leading cross-functional teams, managing project budgets, and mentoring and developing team members
• Demonstrated ability to successfully lead complex projects to completion
• Proficiency in Python, Java, C/C++, or other popular programming languages
• Ability to develop rigorous and comprehensive threat models and identify potential system vulnerabilities
• Strong ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to reason about policy options given different technical considerations
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment
• Fluency with MS Office suite

Preferred:

• Graduate of the Computer Network Operations Development Program (CNODP), Remote Interactive Operator Training (RIOT), Future Operator Readiness Growth and Enrichment (FORGE), or equivalent experience
• Experience with red team operations or offensive cyber capabilities development
• Understanding of advanced persistent threat (APT) tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) and experience with defending against them
• Ability to think creatively about offensive and/or defensive techniques and strategies, beyond compliance with existing regulations
• Familiarity with U.S. cybersecurity agencies, authorities, and policy development processes
• Experience working in or with government on cybersecurity policy
• Experience with advising non-technical stakeholders on security topics
• Familiarity with the AI/ML hardware stack (e.g. GPUs, TPUs, data center design)
• Familiarity with the AI/ML software stack (e.g. CUDA, PyTorch, TensorFlow, Ray)
• 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 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 or PhD preferred.

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 or Code Sample

Either a writing sample or a code 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), or source code showing technical expertise in relevant domains.

Term

This position is a 2-year term appointment with a possibility of renewal for up to 3 years, alongside options for longer term employment.

Salary Range: $137,000 - $246,600

Visiting Technical Specialist = $137,000 - $209,000

Visiting Technical Expert = $157,800 - $246,600

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: race/color/religion/sex/sexual orientation/gender identity/national origin/disability/vet