Job Type: Term (Fixed Term) Overview RAND’s Center on AI, Security, and Technology (CAST), part of the Global and Emerging Risks (GER) Division, is seeking researchers to advance the technical foundations of AI safety. This role is intended for researchers with deep expertise in areas such as theoretical computer science, cryptography, formal methods, programming languages, systems security, computer architecture, distributed systems, or machine learning systems. You will conduct original research on technically challenging problems at the intersection of AI and security. Researchers are expected to exercise independent scientific judgment in identifying important questions, developing appropriate methods, and leading projects from problem formulation through analysis, implementation, experimentation, and publication. The work may span fundamental research, systems building, empirical evaluation, and technical analysis. Your research will inform both the broader technical community and analysis delivered to senior government and industry leaders. You will communicate results through peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, research artifacts, and policy-facing products for both technical and non-technical audiences. One example of RAND's work in this area is the Securing AI Model Weights report. This position is structured as a three-year appointment with options to renew and explore opportunities for longer-term employment at RAND thereafter. Qualifications All research positions at RAND require excellent analytic skills; the ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing; the ability to work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team; and a strong commitment to RAND's core values of quality and objectivity. Required: Demonstrated ability to conduct independent, original technical research. Deep expertise in at least one area such as theoretical computer science, cryptography, formal methods, programming languages, computer security, systems, computer architecture, or machine learning systems. Ability to identify and formulate important research problems, showing creativity and initiative in the conception and execution of projects. Strong programming or systems-building ability in languages such as Python, Rust, Go, C/C++, or equivalent tools appropriate to the candidate's research area. Demonstrated ability to lead complex research projects from conception through completion. Excellent written and verbal communication skills for both technical and non-technical audiences. Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, geographically distributed environment. Candidates should demonstrate a strong research record through peer-reviewed publications, significant research artifacts, or equivalent technical contributions. Strong candidates will often have published at leading venues such as NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, COLT, USENIX Security, IEEE Symposium on Security and Privacy, ACM CCS, NDSS, STOC, FOCS, SODA, CRYPTO, TCC, SOSP, OSDI, CAV, POPL, PLDI, OOPSLA, ICFP, or comparable venues. Preferred: PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a closely related technical field. Late stage PhD candidates with an anticipated dissertation defense date will also be considered. Expertise spanning multiple areas of computer science. Experience with formal methods, verification, or cryptography. Experience in systems security, hardware security, confidential computing, or secure systems design. Experience with machine learning systems, distributed training, inference infrastructure, accelerators, or large-scale computing systems. Experience developing research prototypes or experimental systems. Experience with security analysis, vulnerability research, adversarial evaluation, or red teaming. Experience translating technical research for policymakers, research funders, or senior technical decision-makers. Prior experience specifically in AI security is not required. We encourage applications from researchers in adjacent areas who are interested in applying deep technical expertise to emerging AI security problems. Education Requirements RAND is hiring multiple AI Security Researchers at associate, specialist, and expert levels of experience. Minimum education requirements at the associate level include: A PhD in 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 A Master’s degree in the fields listed above with at least 3 years of relevant professional experience, is required. OR A Bachelor’s degree in the fields listed above with at least 5 years of relevant professional experience, is required. PhD strongly preferred. Security Clearance Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government clearance is preferred but not required. Location In-person, hybrid, and fully remote work options are available. We have offices in San Francisco, CA; Washington, DC; Santa Monica, CA; Pittsburgh, PA; and Boston, MA. US visa support will also be considered. Writing or Code Sample Either a writing sample or a code sample is required for this position. This sample can use a recent, previously written paper or technical report (e.g., journal article, master’s thesis or paper written for coursework, research project, technical analysis, briefings), or source code showing technical expertise in relevant domains. Term This position is a three-year term appointment with a possibility of renewal, alongside options for longer term employment. Salary Range: $132,000 - $338,925 AI Security Associate = $132,000 - $181,500 AI Security Specialist = $164,000 - $225,500 AI Security Expert = $192,300 - $278,850 Senior AI Security Expert = $222,300 - $338,925 RAND considers a variety of factors when formulating an offer, including but not limited to, the specific role and associated responsibilities; a candidate’s work experience, education/training, skills, expertise; and internal equity. Successful candidates will be offered employment in a specific title, as determined by the candidate’s education and experience. The salary range includes base pay plus RAND’s sabbatic pay (which provides additional compensation above base pay when vacation is taken). In addition, RAND provides strong benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, paid time-off and more. Equal Opportunity Employer RAND is a research organization that develops solutions to public policy challenges to help make communities throughout the world safer and more secure, healthier and more prosperous. RAND’s research and analysis address issues that impact people everywhere, including security, health, education, sustainability, growth, and development. RAND has approximately 1,750 people working in offices in the United States, Europe, and Australia, with annual revenues of $470 million. RAND is nonprofit, nonpartisan, and committed to the public interest. Our research is sponsored by government agencies, international organizations, and foundations. We rely on philanthropic support to pursue visionary ideas; address critical problems that are under-researched; and devise innovative approaches for solving acute, complex, or provocative policy challenges. RAND values objectivity and integrity in both its research processes and internal interactions. We emphasize a collegial environment that respects the contributions and dignity of all staff. RAND's reputation is built on quality and objectivity. RAND provides an exciting intellectual environment and opportunities for career growth with challenging assignments. As collaboration in interdisciplinary teams is an essential operating principle at RAND, we hire highly qualified talent and empower our people to do their best work by fostering a culture in which different views, backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued and respected, and staff have a sense of belonging with their colleagues, fair access to opportunities, and feel comfortable bringing their best selves to work each day. As part of our commitment to Equal Opportunity Employment, we welcome all applicants from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences to apply for this exciting opportunity. RAND is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact Human Resources at (310) 393-0411 or at [email protected] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

more at Rand.

2 Nov, 2026

Rand

Physical Security Analyst 

Full time
Security

$88k–130.9k/yr

Washington +2

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