Technical AI Policy Research Scientist

Full-time or part-time

Overview

RAND's Technology and Security Policy Center (TASP) is seeking mission-driven Technical AI Policy Research Scientists to contribute to and lead research, decision support, and/or technical work at the intersection of artificial intelligence and national or global security.

RAND's reputation for excellence is built on our commitment to high-quality, rigorous analysis 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 has been used by the White House, government departments, the EU and UK governments, and industry leaders, among others. Our alumni have gone on to important roles at institutions such as the NSC, Commerce, DOD, Congress, Google DeepMind, OpenAI, EU AI Office, UK AISI, other key think tanks, and founding mission-driven tech initiatives.

Recent examples of our public research products include investigating AI's Power Requirements Under Exponential Growth, explaining and analyzing regulatory action such as the AI Diffusion Framework, and commentaries on US-China tech competition. Beyond our public work, we regularly advise key stakeholders on technical matters. Our team brings a wealth of experience in both technical domains and policy development, bridging the gap between the technical understanding of AI and governance considerations.

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. Every day of your tenure will count toward that goal. The appointment may be renewed for up to a total of 3 years, with opportunities for longer-term employment at RAND thereafter. Full-time and part-time (at least 20 hours per week) schedules will be considered, but with a preference for full-time.

Responsibilities

Given the breadth of valuable work our team could do, there is some ability to align projects with an individual's skills, interests, and career goals. Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

• Lead or contribute to projects using a broad range of analytically rigorous research methods and skills. Likely focuses include developing quantitative models, forecasts, and/or policy options related to export controls, AI chips, AI capabilities, and more.

• Monitor developments related to technical AI infrastructure, such as data centers, energy, semiconductor fabrication facilities, supercomputers, AI chip production, AI model releases, China's semiconductor supply chain and AI ecosystem, and information security.

• Interpret research results in the context of new developments and in relation to other elements of the AI infrastructure stack.

• Perform technical tasks such as coding or data analysis.

• Communicate research results to policymakers and other key stakeholders at all levels through written products and oral presentations.

A successful candidate could grow into leading a team and/or mentoring more junior staff.

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.

Additional required qualifications:

• Interest in topics related to technical AI governance or AI infrastructure, as indicated by relevant education, professional experience, personal blog posts, etc.

• Expertise on technical AI concepts, such as export controls, AI chips, data centers, and more, or ability to quickly develop such expertise.

• Ability to tailor communications to technical and non-technical audiences, including explaining complex technical topics and their policy implications.

• Understanding of the importance of powerful AI systems and their implications on national security.

Preferred but not required:

• Familiarity with areas of technical AI governance, such as those mentioned above.

• Experience in the US government or advising or working with policymakers in relation to emerging technology and national security issues, including in the White House, Congress, interagency processes, and/or the intelligence community.

• Experience in working on AI research, working on ML model development/deployment, and/or working at frontier AI companies.

• Familiarity with conducting China-related research, particularly primary source research utilizing Chinese language reading skills.

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

• Aptitude for project management and/or mentorship.

Applicants who meet the required qualifications are strongly encouraged to apply; the preferred qualifications are not necessary.

Education Requirements

RAND is hiring Research Scientists 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 Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Information Security, Mathematics, Operations Research, China Studies, Public Policy, Security Studies, Physics, Engineering and Public Policy, Political Science, 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: This team also has an opportunity for a Technical AI Policy Associate. Applicants that possess the required qualifications are welcome to apply to either or both positions.

Security Clearance

Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance, including having U.S. citizenship, is preferred but not required.

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

This position is a 1-year term appointment with a possibility of renewal for up to a total of 3 years, alongside options for longer term employment.

Application

Applications must include:

• A detailed resume highlighting academic and professional experience relevant to technical AI governance, including publications.

• A writing sample demonstrating analytical and communication skills. This sample may be a recent, previously written paper or report (e.g., journal article, master's thesis or paper written for coursework, prior employment, or internship). Applicants whose study and work experience (e.g., model development) has not involved producing written products that are shareable may submit a short, written summary (i.e., less than one page) of one or more recent products they have developed.

• Optionally, you may also submit a code sample.

• A cover letter which responds to the following prompts:

• 1) Summarize in <200 words your career goals and why you are interested in this role.

• 2) Describe in <300 words one research direction you may want to pursue in this role. Describe what questions you would try to answer, what methods you would use, how many months of work would be required from you and/or colleagues, and what outcomes this research might help achieve (e.g., what important policy decisions it might inform). Also briefly describe your current key uncertainties about this project idea and how you would address them. This is just an assessment step and does not mean you would definitely work on this if hired.

Salary Range: $115,400 - $246,600

Visiting Technical Associate = $115,400 - $167,300

Visiting Technical Specialist = $137,000 - $209,000
Visiting Technical Expert = $157,800 - $246,600