AI Security / Biosecurity Engineer, RAND CAST

RAND•San Francisco, CA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The RAND Center on AI, Security, and Technology (RAND CAST) is seeking technically excellent and mission-driven AI Security / Biosecurity Engineers to work across a number of our most critical and fast-paced AI security and biosecurity workstreams. RAND CAST works on pressing national security challenges related to emerging technologies. Our areas of focus include AI security, compute, biosecurity and bioresilience, and the intersection of AI and biotechnology. Emerging technologies, especially AI and biotechnology, have many promising beneficial and defensive applications. Given their dual-use nature, they also present a number of new security challenges. RAND CAST explores ambitious technical and policy approaches to solving these complex problems. We are a team of world-class technical and policy analysts, engineers, and scientists giving decision-makers the objective insights they need to navigate global emerging threats. We are looking for individuals who are driven by a bias for action; capable of developing and securing complex systems under high-stakes and fast-paced conditions; and can act as an owner, not just a contributor, with end-to-end ownership of critical, sensitive data infrastructure in a highly autonomous environment. We have a number of ongoing technical projects across our AI security and biosecurity teams. Candidates will discuss initial projects with program leads as part of the interview process.

Requirements

Professional experience in software engineering with a focus on backend engineering and/or data engineering.
Demonstrated ability to build robust and technically complex systems with a security-first mindset.
Experience operating, monitoring, and deploying systems using modern cloud infrastructure.
Preference for working in a fast-paced, autonomous environment.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, tailored to technical and non-technical audiences
Fluency with MS Office suite
PhD in Biological Sciences, Computational Biology, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, 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 is required. OR Master’s degree in the fields listed above with 3+ years of professional experience, is required. OR Bachelor’s degree in the fields listed above with at least 5+ years of professional experience, is required.

Nice To Haves

Advanced knowledge of integrating Large Language Models (LLMs) into workflows.
Background in biosecurity, dual-use technology, or AI security and misuse.
Ability to scope cross-functional projects with internal customers and own their execution.
Experience with distributed data processing platforms.
Master’s or PhD preferred.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government clearance is preferred.