Senior Research Lead - AI Security Portfolio

RAND • Pittsburgh, DC

1d • $171,800 - $268,500 • Hybrid

About The Position

RAND’s Center on AI, Security, and Technology (CAST), part of the Global and Emerging Risks Division, seeks a technical and strategic leader to oversee a large research and engineering portfolio focused on securing advanced AI systems, understanding their cyber capabilities, and informing policy frameworks. The role leads two major research teams comprising more than 15 researchers and projects spanning technical AI security research, cyber capability evaluation, and infrastructure development. The Portfolio Lead guides RAND’s efforts to ensure AI technologies are safe, secure, and aligned with U.S. and allied national security priorities, and reports to CAST Founding Director Sella Nevo.

This is a focused three-year appointment intended to accelerate research and provide rigorous analysis for evidence-based policymaking. The appointment may be renewed, with options for longer-term employment at RAND. The role upholds RAND’s standards of high-quality, rigorous, and objective analysis while guiding research with real-world policy impact.

The position is offered in a hybrid arrangement, combining work from home and on-site options, with fully remote work within the United States also considered. Hiring locations are San Francisco, California; Washington, DC; Santa Monica, California; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Boston, Massachusetts. Applicants must provide either a writing sample or a code sample demonstrating relevant expertise.

Requirements

• Technical experience in AI security, cybersecurity engineering, or adjacent emerging technology fields.
• Demonstrated success leading large technical or research programs, including managing multidisciplinary teams and budgets.
• Proven experience designing and delivering complex projects from concept through completion.
• Deep understanding of AI threat models, system vulnerabilities, and cyber capability evaluation.
• Strong ability to communicate complex technical issues to senior non-technical stakeholders.
• Familiarity with U.S. cybersecurity policy processes and agencies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent analytic skills and the ability to work effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong commitment to RAND’s core values of quality and objectivity.
• A PhD in a listed or similar field and at least 6 years of professional experience; or a master’s degree in a listed or similar field and at least 9 years of professional experience; or a bachelor’s degree in a listed or similar field and at least 12 years of professional experience.
• Ability to provide either a writing sample or a code sample demonstrating relevant expertise.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government clearance is preferred but not required.

Nice To Haves

• Background in leadership at frontier AI labs, startups, or hyperscalers.
• Background in AI or cybersecurity research and development, red team operations, or advanced persistent threat defense.
• Experience developing or overseeing secure infrastructure for AI model training and deployment.
• Familiarity with AI/ML hardware and software stacks, such as GPUs, TPUs, CUDA, PyTorch, and TensorFlow.
• Experience working in or with government on AI or cybersecurity policy.
• Graduate of CNODP, RIOT, FORGE, or an equivalent elite technical program.
• A master’s or PhD degree is preferred.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government clearance.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive RAND’s research agenda on secure AI systems, setting priorities across multiple teams and programs.
• Lead complex, cross-functional projects integrating technical research and development, cybersecurity operations, and policy analysis.
• Mentor and manage senior technical staff, project leaders, and researchers across a portfolio of 15–30 people.
• Translate technical findings into actionable insights for policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders.
• Oversee development of AI-specific threat models, security architectures, and evaluation tools to assess cyber risks and resilience.
• Engage with senior government and industry stakeholders to ensure RAND’s research informs high-level decisions.
• Represent RAND at technical and policy forums, including national security working groups, agency briefings, and expert panels.
• Uphold RAND’s standards of rigorous, high-quality, and objective analysis.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Savings plan
• Paid time off
• Sabbatic pay, which provides additional compensation above base pay when vacation is taken

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior