Research Analyst – Technical AI Policy

Job Type:

Full or part time 

Fixed-Term 

Position Description

RAND’s Technology and Security Policy Center (TASP) is seeking a mission-driven Research Analyst – Technical AI Policy to contribute to and lead research, decision support, and/or technical work at the rapidly evolving intersection of artificial intelligence and national or global security. 

TASP is at the forefront of research and implementation regarding the impact of high-consequence, dual-use technologies—such as artificial intelligence and biotechnology—on global competition and security. Our research has been used by the White House, government departments, the EU and UK governments, and industry leaders, among others. Our alumni have gone on to important roles at the NSC, Commerce, DOD, Congress, Google DeepMind, OpenAI, EU AI Office, UK AISI, other key think tanks, and founding mission-driven tech initiatives, among others. 

This position is initially structured as a focused 1-year appointment to create the urgency needed to drive ambitious change in this rapidly evolving field. Every day of your tenure will count toward that goal. The appointment may be renewed for an additional 2 years, with opportunities for longer-term employment at RAND thereafter. Full-time and part-time (at least 20 hours per week) schedules will be considered. 

RAND's reputation for excellence is built on our commitment to high-quality, rigorous analysis and objectivity. You'll have access to leading researchers and extensive government and industry connections. 

Given the breadth of research topics, there is some ability to align projects with an individual’s skills, interests, and career goals. Responsibilities may include but are not limited to: 

• Execute project responsibilities using a broad range of analytically rigorous research methods and skills, with a focus on developing quantitative models, forecasts, and/or policy options related to export controls, AI chips, AI capabilities, and more. 

• Monitor developments related to technical AI infrastructure, such as data centers, energy, semiconductor fabrication facilities, AI chip production, AI model releases, and information security. 

• Interpret research results in the context of new developments and in relation to other elements of the AI infrastructure stack. 

• Perform technical tasks such as coding or data analysis. 

• Communicate research findings to decision-makers through briefings and written products. 

A successful candidate could grow into leading a team. 

Qualifications 

Required: 

• Strong analytical skills. 

• Demonstrated ability to conduct high-quality, rigorous research, ideally in an AI-related domain and including policy implications. 

• Demonstrated interest in topics related to technical AI governance or AI infrastructure, as indicated by relevant education, professional experience, personal blog posts, etc. 

• Ability to quickly and independently get up to speed on technical AI concepts, including export controls, AI chips, data centers, and more. 

• Clear and effective communication skills in English, both oral and written, tailored to technical and non-technical audiences. Including the ability to explain complex technical topics and their policy implications. 

• Proven ability to work collaboratively within collaborative, multidisciplinary teams. 

• Demonstrated understanding of the importance of powerful AI systems and their implications on national security. 

Preferred: 

• Familiarity with areas of technical AI governance, such as: 

  o AI chip specifications, such as computational performance, memory bandwidth and capacity, and interconnect bandwidth. 

  o Architecture and performance characteristics of supercomputers, particularly as they relate to AI workloads. 

  o AI model training processes and the factors affecting hardware utilization. 

  o Semiconductor manufacturing equipment (SME) and how constraints on SME affect AI chip supply chains, AI chip production, and AI capabilities. 

  o The Chinese semiconductor supply chain and the relevant actors 

  o The People’s Republic of China (PRC)’s AI chip capabilities and how these are affected by actual and plausible export control regimes. 

  o The Chinese AI ecosystem, including key frontier AI companies.

• Experience in the US government or advising or working with policymakers in relation to emerging technology and national security issues, including in the White House, Congress, interagency processes, and/or the intelligence community. 

• Experience in working at frontier AI companies. 

• Familiarity with conducting China-related research, particularly primary source research utilizing Chinese language reading skills. 

Education Requirements

This role requires either: a Master's degree in a relevant discipline; a Bachelor’s with five years of experience; or equivalent. 

Relevant disciplines may include engineering, China studies, computer science, information security, law, mathematics, operations research, public policy, information security, mathematics, security studies, or a related technical or policy-focused discipline. 

Security Clearance 

Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance, which requires US citizenship, is preferred but not required. 

Location 

We are actively hiring for this position in Washington, DC; San Francisco, CA; Boston, MA; Santa Monica, CA; and Pittsburgh, PA. DC office is strongly preferred. We offer a hybrid work arrangement, combining work from home and on-site options. Fully remote work will also be considered. 

Term 

This position is a 1-year term appointment with a possibility of renewal for up to 2 additional years, with opportunities for longer-term employment at RAND thereafter. 

Application 

Applications must include: 

• A detailed resume highlighting academic and professional experience relevant to technical AI governance.

• A writing sample demonstrating analytical and communication skills. This sample can use a recent, previously written paper or report (e.g., journal article, master’s thesis or paper written for coursework, prior employment, or internship). Applicants with fields of study or work experience in which they have not produced written products (e.g., model development), or in which written products have dissemination restrictions, may submit a short, written summary (i.e., less than one page) of one or more recent products they have developed. 

Salary Range: $70,400 - $209,000 

Technical Analyst I $70,400 – $96,800 

Technical Analyst II $88,000 – $121,000 

Technical Analyst III $104,000 – $143,000 

Technical Analyst IV $115,400 - $167,300 

Technical Analyst V $137,000 - $209,000 

RAND considers a variety of factors when formulating an offer, including the specific role responsibilities; a candidate’s work experience, education/training, skills, expertise; and internal equity. RAND provides strong benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, a savings plan, paid time-off, and more.

Equal Opportunity Employer: race/color/religion/sex/sexual orientation/gender identity/national origin/disability/vet