AI Policy Resident

RAND’s Center on AI, Security, and Technology (CAST) is seeking a mission-driven AI Policy Resident to contribute to and lead research at the rapidly evolving intersection of artificial intelligence, national or global security, and U.S. domestic and international policy.

RAND is a nonprofit, nonpartisan research organization that develops evidence-based solutions to public policy challenges. RAND’s reputation for excellence is built on our commitment to quality, rigor, and objectivity. 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.

Responsibilities:

• Lead or contribute to AI security and policy research focused on securing AI systems, assessing AI cyber capabilities, and examining policy implications.

• Conduct analysis on emerging AI security challenges, including threat models, system vulnerabilities, and priorities for security-focused R&D.

• Monitor and assess U.S. and international AI policy, legal, and governance developments relevant to national and global security.

• Communicate findings to technical and non-technical audiences through policy briefs, presentations, and written research products in external and internal engagements.

• Contribute to CAST’s strategic and operational effectiveness through cross-team coordination and support to senior AI Policy staff.

• Coordinate CAST AI policy with complementary workstreams across biosecurity and other national security workstreams.

RAND is hiring for this role at the Associate and Specialist level of experience.

Minimum requirements for an Associate are:

A PhD in a relevant field. This can include public policy, economics, international relations, political sciences, law or similar.

OR

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

OR

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

Minimum requirements for a Specialist are:

A PhD in a relevant field. This can include public policy, economics, international relations, political sciences, law or similar with at least 3 years of relevant professional experience.

OR

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

OR

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

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

• A cover letter

• A detailed resume highlighting relevant academic and professional experience, including publications.

• A writing sample demonstrating analytical and communication skills. This sample may be a previously written paper or report (e.g., journal article, master’s thesis or paper written for coursework, prior employment, or internship).

Salary Range: $110,900 - $183,300

AI Policy Resident, Associate = $110,900 - $152,500

AI Policy Resident, Specialist = $126,400 - $183,300

RAND considers a variety of factors when formulating an offer, including the specific role responsibilities; a candidate’s work experience, education/training, skills, expertise; and internal equity. In addition, RAND provides strong benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, a savings plan, paid time-off, and more.

Equal Opportunity Employer