AI Security Resident - Legal Research

RAND•Washington, DC

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

RAND’s Center for AI, Security, and Technology (CAST), part of the Global and Emerging Risks (GER) Division, is seeking a strategic leader to serve as an AI Resident -- Legal Research. CAST conducts cutting-edge research on transformative, high-impact technologies—including artificial intelligence and biotechnology—to shape policies that protect global security and advance the public good. Building on the work of the RAND Global and Emerging Risk division's inaugural centers—the Technology and Security Policy Center (TASP) and the Meselson Center— the merger of these two centers enables CAST to be at the forefront of safeguarding the future in an era of rapid technological change. In this role, you will lead and contribute to high-impact research, legal analysis, and policy design related to AI and biosecurity. You will collaborate closely with interdisciplinary teams to assess emerging risks, develop governance frameworks, and produce actionable recommendations for policymakers, industry leaders, and the broader national security community. Your work will guide RAND’s broader efforts to ensure AI technologies are safe, secure, and aligned with U.S. and allied national security priorities.

Requirements

Experience conducting legal and policy analysis to analyze behavioral or social science issues or evaluate programs.
Proven ability to synthesize complex technical or legal concepts into clear, actionable insights for expert and non-expert audiences alike.
Strong research project management, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement skills, with a drive for continuous improvement and a focus on building systems.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to represent RAND in high-visibility forums.
A PhD in Engineering and Public Policy, Technology and Policy, National Security Policy, Policy Analysis, Political Science, International Relations, or JD with at least 3 years of relevant professional experience, including evidence of conducting legal and policy analysis on behavioral or social science issues, or similar 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.

Nice To Haves

Exposure to AI, data governance, and emerging technology policy, including presenting on legal and governance issues in the AI domain.
Familiarity with the technical infrastructure underlying AI systems (e.g., GPUs, TPUs, cloud compute, training pipelines).
Legal or regulatory expertise, or the ability to develop it rapidly.
Aptitude for developing actionable policy recommendations on short timelines in response to emerging issues.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government clearance is preferred but not required.
Master’s or PhD or JD preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead and contribute to high-impact research, legal analysis, and policy design related to AI and biosecurity.
Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary teams to assess emerging risks, develop governance frameworks, and produce actionable recommendations for policymakers, industry leaders, and the broader national security community.
Guide RAND’s broader efforts to ensure AI technologies are safe, secure, and aligned with U.S. and allied national security priorities.