AI / Bio Senior Research Project Manager for the Meselson Center (Term)

Job Type: Term (Fixed Term) AI / Bio Senior Research Project Manager for the Meselson Center (Term) RAND has an exciting opportunity for a Senior AI/Bio Research Project Manager to support the Meselson Center within the Global and Emerging Risks (GER) division. The Meselson Center is dedicated to improving frontier AI security and reducing risks from biological threats through policy research and engagement. Two recent research products in these two domains are Securing AI Model Weights and Policy Options to Prevent the Creation of Mirror Life. Using discretion and independent judgement, the successful candidate will work with the Center management team to oversee project and aspects of center administration and ensure they are completed successfully, in a timely fashion, and within budget. Will also plan and designate project resources, oversee budgets, monitor progress, and keep sponsors and leadership informed the entire way. Main responsibilities will include but are not limited to: Project management for AI security and biosecurity policy research projects at the Meselson Center, managing resources and timelines in an effective and efficient manner. Leads recruiting rounds for AI security and biosecurity roles and operational roles, coordinating closely with RAND HR and talent teams to ensure rapid and high-quality hiring processes. Directs the work of some core operations functions and oversees the work of some operations staff. Develops effective collaborations with internal RAND teams including in Finance, Quality Assurance, Talent, and HR. Partners with Meselson Center leadership on strategic planning and goal-setting. Support Meselson Center fundraising and strategic budgeting. Runs workshops, conferences, and team retreats to help researchers share research ideas and attract top talent. Qualifications This position requires excellent analytic and problem-solving 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. This position also requires: Ability to manage multiple competing priorities  Inquisitive active thinker willing and able to quickly learn new concepts; take initiative to advance assignments as far as possible with minimal direction Excellent attention to detail, able to produce high-quality precision work Proven ability to get things done quickly and effectively, and independently overcoming a variety of organizational and operational hurdles Proven ability to adapt to changing priorities Excellent verbal communication, judgment, and interpersonal skills, plus the ability to work closely with all levels of staff throughout the organization  Proactive, with a sense of ownership  Required: 5 years of experience in team management, project management, program management, or operations roles, including management of teams of 5 employees or more. Demonstrated experience in successfully designing and executing recruiting rounds for technical and/or operations roles. Strategic problem-solving skills and ability to drive organizational growth. Demonstrated ability to navigate complex organizational structures. Exceptional reliability and attention to detail in demanding environments. Excellent communication skills and the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders. Preferred: Experience as a Director of an AI security or biosecurity team, Director of Ops, or Co-Founder or a rapidly growing organization. Experience in government, think tanks, or industry-leading organizations. Experience in high intensity fast-paced environments. Experience with research on AI, biology, or information security. Education Bachelor’s degree required; a Master’s degree in organizational development, public policy, human resources, education, or a related field is preferred. A bachelor’s degree in business administration, public policy, political science, or similar discipline and at least eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience to include more than five (5) years of project/program management experience in research organizations, or a combination of education and experience that demonstrates the desired knowledge, skills and abilities may be substituted for a BS/BA degree. Experience 8 years minimum experience; 12 years preferred experience Term This position is structured as a focused three-year appointment to create the urgency needed to drive ambitious change in this rapidly evolving field. Every day of your tenure will count toward achieving ambitious projects in biosecurity. The appointment may be renewed for additional time, with options for longer-term employment at RAND thereafter. Location We are actively hiring for this position in San Francisco, CA where we have work and meeting space for projects focused on AI, as well as in our RAND offices in Washington, DC. We offer a hybrid work arrangement, combining work from home and on-site options in these locations. Salary Range: $102,800 - $184,500 Project Manager III   $102,800-$156,500   Project Manager IV   $120,900-$184,500 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: race/color/religion/sex/sexual orientation/gender identity/national origin/disability/vet RAND 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.

Salary : $102,800 - $184,500