AI / Bio Research Project Manager for CAST (Term)

RAND•Washington, DC

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

RAND's Center on AI, Security, and Technology (RAND CAST) is seeking an AI / Bio Research Project Manager to support recruiting, people operations, finance, and procurement efforts in close coordination and collaboration with RAND HR, procurement, and other teams. CAST is a 75+ person center at the forefront of transformative AI and biotechnology policy and their implications for global competition and security. Our teams work on verification frameworks for international agreements on AI, creating AI data centers that are secure, unlocking energy for AI production, developing models for public-private partnerships between frontier labs and government, and conducting AIxBio evaluations and mitigations, among other initiatives.

Requirements

4+ years of experience in operations with experience in at least two of the following areas: sourcing/recruiting, people operations, finance, project management, or procurement. (A Master’s degree in business administration, public policy, political science, or similar discipline may count for 2 years of experience).
Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to multitask, prioritize independently, and perform under pressure.
Collaborative team player who demonstrates tact, courtesy, and professionalism at all levels of an organization.
Excellent communication, judgment, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively across all levels of staff and a wide range of stakeholders.
Proactive self-starter with a strong sense of ownership and the ability to advance work independently with minimal direction.
Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public policy, political science, or similar is required.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government clearance is preferred but not required.

Nice To Haves

Background or demonstrated interest in AI security/biosecurity through professional experience or relevant coursework.
Experience in government, think tanks, or industry-leading organizations.
Experience in high intensity fast-paced environments.
Master’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Run and facilitate full-cycle sourcing and recruiting for operations, AI security, and biosecurity roles, partnering with CAST research and leadership teams, CAST talent team, and RAND HR to run high-velocity hiring processes.
Support CAST people operations, in collaboration with RAND teams, including onboarding and offboarding coordination, performance review cycles, term and contract renewals, and other staff lifecycle processes.
Manage CAST procurement and budgeting efforts, in collaboration with RAND teams, including contractual agreements and budget tracking, contributing to the financial health and long-term sustainability of the center.
Drive end-to-end management of AI security and/or biosecurity research projects at CAST, keeping complex, fast-moving work on track through rigorous resource allocation, timeline oversight, and proactive problem-solving.
Build and sustain productive working relationships with internal RAND teams, including HR, Security, Finance, Quality Assurance, and Procurement to effectively navigate RAND's internal systems and processes on behalf of CAST personnel.
May oversee 1–2 junior staff, providing day-to-day guidance, supporting professional development, and prioritizing workload in alignment with Center goals.