AI Policy Research Resident
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Job Type: Term (Fixed Term)Full-time or part-time Overview RAND's Technology and Security Policy Center (TASP) is seeking mission-driven AI Policy Research Residents to contribute to and lead research, decision support, and/or technical work 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. TASP is at the forefront of work on the impact of high-consequence, dual-use technologies on global competition and security. Our research is regularly used by decisionmakers at the White House, U.S. government departments and agencies, the EU and UK governments, and industry leaders, among others. Our alumni have gone on to important roles at institutions such as the NSC, DOD, BIS, Congress, US AISI, UK AISI, EU AI Office, Google DeepMind, Anthropic, OpenAI, other key think tanks, and to found mission-driven tech initiatives. This opening is primarily for our Technology Policy and Governance (TPG) and Geopolitics of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) teams. TPG delivers timely, actionable analysis and policy recommendations to US and European decision-makers on topics at the intersection of frontier AI and national security. This includes rapid-response work for decisionmakers as well as longer-term, deeper work that results in publications. Recent examples include responses to the White House's request for feedback on the AI Action Plan. The Geopolitics of AGI team helps policymakers understand, anticipate, and prepare to navigate the national security and geopolitical implications of AGI, including by developing an adaptive and forward-looking U.S. strategy for AGI. Recent examples of their public work include Artificial General Intelligence's Five Hard National Security Problems, Seeking Stability in the Competition for AI Advantage, and Managing AI's Economic Future. AI Policy Research Residents will be a key part of one or more such teams, working alongside a variety of technical and policy experts and with access to extensive government and industry connections. This position is initially structured as a focused 1-year appointment to create the urgency needed to drive ambitious change in this rapidly evolving field. The appointment may be renewed for up to a total of 3 years, with opportunities for longer-term employment at RAND thereafter. Full-time schedules are preferred, and part-time (at least 20 hours per week) schedules will be considered. Responsibilities Given the breadth of valuable work our teams do, there is some ability to align projects with an individual's specific skills, interests, and career goals. Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:
A successful candidate could grow into leading a team and/or mentoring more junior staff. Qualifications Additional required qualifications:
Preferred but not required:
Applicants who meet the required qualifications are strongly encouraged to apply; the preferred qualifications are not necessary. Education Requirements RAND is hiring for this role at the associate, specialist, or expert level of experience. Minimum education requirements at the associate level are: A PhD in a relevant field. This can include Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Law, Political Science, Public Policy, International Relations, National Security, China Studies, 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. Note: These teams also have an opportunity for a Research Associate. Applicants that possess the required qualifications are welcome to apply to either or both positions. Security Clearance Location 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. Term Application
Salary Range: $115,400 - $246,600 Visiting Technical Associate = $115,400 - $167,300 Equal Opportunity Employer |