Technical AI Policy Research Scientist

Company: RAND Corporation
Location: Washington
Posted on: May 21, 2025

Job Description:

Technical AI Policy Research Scientist page is loadedTechnical AI Policy Research ScientistApply locations Washington, DC (DC Metro Area) San Francisco, CA Pittsburgh, PA Santa Monica, CA (Greater Los Angeles Area) Boston, MA time type Full time posted on Posted 6 Days Ago job requisition id R3241Job Type:Term (Fixed Term)Full-time or part-timeOverviewRAND'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 example s 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 i nitially 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.ResponsibilitiesGiven 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.QualificationsAll 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 r equired qualifications :
          • I nterest 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 .
              • A bility to tailor communications to technical and non-technical audiences , including explaining complex technical topics and their policy implications.
                • U nderstanding 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 encourage d to apply ; the preferred qualifications are not necessary .Education RequirementsRAND is hiring Research Scientist s 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.ORA Master's degree in the fields listed above with at least 3 years of relevant professional experience.ORA 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 ClearanceAbility to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance, including having U.S. citizenship, is preferred but not required .LocationWe are actively hiring for this position in Washington, DC; San Francisco, CA; Boston, MA; Santa Monica, CA; and Pittsburgh, PA. T he 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 .TermThis 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.ApplicationApplications 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 b e 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 c over letter which responds to the following prompts :
                                      • 1) Summarize in
                                        • 2) Describe in Salary Range: $ 115,400 - $246,600
                                          
                                          Visiting Technical Associate = $115,400 - $167,300Visiting Technical Specialist = $137,000 - $209,000
                                          Visiting Technical Expert = $157,800 - $ 246,600RAND 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 EmployerSimilar Jobs (1)AI Biosecurity Evaluations Research Scientistlocations 6 Locations time type Full time posted on Posted 14 Days AgoRAND is a research organization that develops solutions to public policy challenges to help make communities throughout the world safer and more secure, healthier and more prosperous. RAND's research and analysis address issues that impact people everywhere, including security, health, education, sustainability, growth, and development. RAND has approximately 2,025 people from more than 50 countries working in offices in the United States, Europe and Australia, with annual revenues of $435.8 million.
                                          
                                          RAND is nonprofit, nonpartisan, and committed to the public interest. Our research is sponsored by government agencies, international organizations, and foundations. We rely on philanthropic support to pursue visionary ideas; address critical problems that are under-researched; and devise innovative approaches for solving acute, complex, or provocative policy challenges. RAND values objectivity and integrity in both its research processes and internal interactions. We emphasize a collegial environment that respects the contributions and dignity of all staff.RAND's reputation is built on quality and objectivity. RAND provides an exciting intellectual environment and opportunities for career growth with challenging assignments. As collaboration in interdisciplinary teams is an essential operating principle at RAND, we hire highly qualified talent and empower our people to do their best work by fostering a culture in which different views, backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued and respected, and staff have a sense of belonging with their colleagues, fair access to opportunities, and feel comfortable bringing their best selves to work each day. As part of our commitment to Equal Opportunity Employment, we welcome all applicants from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences to apply for this exciting opportunity.RAND is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact Human Resources at (310) 393-0411 or at jobs@rand.org and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.
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Keywords: RAND Corporation, Bel Air South , Technical AI Policy Research Scientist, IT / Software / Systems , Washington, Maryland