Research Lead - Securing Frontier AI

Job Type: Term (Fixed Term) Position Description RAND's Meselson Center, part of the Global and Emerging Risks (GER) division, is seeking an accomplished technical leader to drive our ambitious frontier AI security research agenda. As Research Lead - Securing Frontier AI, you'll direct a comprehensive research portfolio focused on ensuring that the world's most important AI systems are appropriately secured and addressing critical challenges at the intersection of AI, information security, and national security. You will be responsible for managing significant research budgets and personnel, overseeing complex technical research and policy analysis projects, and leading multidisciplinary teams of policy researchers, engineers, and scientists. Your work will shape recommendations for the White House, regulatory agencies, the intelligence community, other national governments, and industry leaders. Your team will communicate findings to both technical and non-technical audiences through quick-turnaround policy briefs and detailed technical analyses. A recent example of one of our research products is the Securing AI Model Weights report, which explored protecting frontier AI model weights from theft and misuse. This position is structured as a focused two-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 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 - Securing Frontier AI, you'll have access to RAND's leading researchers, extensive government and industry connections, and world-class analytical resources. 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: 6 years of technical experience in security engineering, software engineering, firmware engineering, hardware engineering, or related fields 6 years of technical 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 Proficiency in Python, Java, C/C , or other popular programming languages Ability to develop rigorous and comprehensive threat models and identify potential system vulnerabilities Strong ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing Ability to reason about policy options given different technical considerations Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment Fluency with MS Office suite Preferred: Graduate of the Computer Network Operations Development Program (CNODP), Remote Interactive Operator Training (RIOT), Future Operator Readiness Growth and Enrichment (FORGE), or equivalent experience Experience with red team operations or offensive cyber capabilities development Understanding of advanced persistent threat (APT) tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) and experience with defending against them Ability to think creatively about offensive and/or defensive techniques and strategies, beyond compliance with existing regulations Familiarity with U.S. cybersecurity agencies, authorities, and policy development processes Experience working in or with government on cybersecurity policy Experience with advising non-technical stakeholders on security topics Familiarity with the AI/ML hardware stack (e.g. GPUs, TPUs, data center design) Familiarity with the AI/ML software stack (e.g. CUDA, PyTorch, TensorFlow, Ray) Experience working on AI research, ML model training, or model deployment Experience with securing AI systems Education Requirements 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 6 years of relevant professional experience, is required. OR A Master’s degree in the fields listed above with at least 9 years of relevant professional experience, is required. OR A Bachelor’s degree in the fields listed above with at least 12 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; Washington, DC; Santa Monica, CA; Pittsburgh, PA; and Boston, MA. We offer a hybrid work arrangement, combining work from home and on-site options. Fully remote work will also be considered. Writing or Code Sample Either a writing sample or a code 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), or source code showing technical expertise in relevant domains. 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: $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: 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. Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, RAND has approximately 1,775 people from approximately 55 countries working in offices in North America, Europe and Australia, with annual revenues of $356.2 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. We hire highly qualified applicants and provide challenging assignments. Diversity is an essential operating principle at RAND. We look for unique backgrounds, original views, and diversity in academic training, work experience, and ideological outlook. We are committed to Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action. 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 : $157,800 - $246,600