Research Lead - AI Security Field-Building & Partnerships

Job Type : Term (Fixed Term)

Position Description

RAND's Meselson Center, part of the Global and Emerging Risks (GER) division, is seeking an accomplished leader to convene and grow the emerging field of AI security. As Research Lead - AI Security Field-Building & Partnerships, you'll shape how organizations work together to address critical challenges in securing powerful AI systems.

You'll lead a dedicated team and manage significant resources, driving initiatives that bring together key stakeholders across industry and government. This position combines diplomatic leadership with technical depth, offering the opportunity to advance the field of AI security through strategic relationship building.

Your team will launch technical working groups that include government, academic, and industry leaders, create fellowship programs to rapidly train senior AI Security talent, run workshops at major security and machine learning conferences, and set priorities for the AI Security field.

This position is structured as a focused two-year appointment to accelerate research and provide rigorous analysis that informs evidence-based policymaking in this rapidly evolving field. Every day of your tenure will count toward achieving ambitious projects in AI security. 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 - AI Security Field-Building & Partnerships, you'll maintain that excellence while engaging with some of the most pressing challenges of our time.

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 :

3+ years of 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

Strong relationships and credibility within the AI and / or information security fields

Ability to develop and execute on a clear, collaborative vision for AI Security

Ability to prioritize within a complex, nascent, and dynamic field

Strong ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing

Experience with advising non-technical stakeholders on security topics

Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment

Fluency with MS Office suite

Preferred :

6+ years of technical experience in security engineering, software engineering, firmware engineering, hardware engineering, or related fields

Experience organizing technical conferences, workshops, or working groups

Familiarity with U.S. cybersecurity agencies, authorities, and policy development processes

Experience working in or with government on cybersecurity policy

Familiarity with the AI / ML hardware and software stack

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 and Washington, DC. We offer a hybrid work arrangement, combining work from home and on-site options.

Writing Sample

A writing 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).

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