Visiting AI Security Researcher

Job Type: Term (Fixed Term)

Overview

RAND's Center on AI, Security, and Technology (CAST) is at the forefront of conducting transformative research on groundbreaking technologies, including artificial intelligence and biotechnology. Our mission is to craft policies that reinforce global security and promote the public good. As a Visiting AI Security Researcher, you will play a vital role in exploring significant challenges around securing AI systems, analyzing their cyber capabilities, and assessing their policy ramifications.

In this position, you’ll lead complex projects that integrate technical research, policy development, and infrastructure advancement. Potential projects may include crafting AI-specific threat models, developing software tools for evaluating AI cyber capabilities, or pinpointing critical needs for new security research and development. Your work will directly influence high-level analysis delivered to senior leaders across government and industry sectors.

You will share your findings with both technical and non-technical audiences, producing concise policy briefs and comprehensive research reports. One recent example of our work is the Securing AI Model Weights report, which focused on strategies to safeguard advanced AI models against theft and misuse.

This position is structured as a two-year appointment, with opportunities for renewal and potential long-term employment at RAND in the future.

At RAND, our commitment to quality, rigorous analysis, and objectivity has earned us a solid reputation. As a Visiting AI Security Researcher, you will uphold this standard while addressing some of today’s most critical challenges.

Qualifications

Our researchers exhibit excellent analytical skills and demonstrate strong communication abilities, both orally and in writing. They thrive in multidisciplinary teams and are committed to RAND's core values of quality and objectivity.

Required:

• Technical experience in security engineering, software engineering, firmware engineering, hardware engineering, or related fields.

• Proven technical management experience, including leading cross-functional teams, managing project budgets, and mentoring team members.

• Demonstrated success in managing complex projects from initiation to completion.

• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Java, or C/C++.

• Ability to develop detailed threat models and identify potential vulnerabilities in systems.

• Excellent communication skills, effectively tailored for both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Capability to reason about policy alternatives, assessing various technical elements.

• Ability to collaborate dynamically within a multidisciplinary environment.

• Fluency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred:

• Graduate of the Computer Network Operations Development Program (CNODP), Remote Interactive Operator Training (RIOT), Future Operator Readiness Growth and Enrichment (FORGE), or equivalent experience.

• Experience with red team operations or development of offensive cyber capabilities.

• Understanding advanced persistent threat (APT) tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) with experience in defensive measures.

• Creative thinking regarding offensive and defensive strategies that extend beyond mere compliance with regulations.

• Familiarity with U.S. cybersecurity agencies, policies, and development processes.

• Experience collaborating with governments on cybersecurity policy.

• Experience advising non-technical stakeholders on security matters.

• Familiarity with the AI/ML hardware stack (e.g., GPUs, TPUs, data center design).

• Familiarity with the AI/ML software stack (e.g., CUDA, Py

Torch, Tensor

Flow, Ray).

• Experience working on AI research, ML model training, or model deployment.

• Experience securing AI systems.

Education Requirements

We are seeking multiple Visiting AI Security Researchers at various experience levels: associate, specialist, and expert. Minimum education requirements for 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.

A Master's or PhD is preferred.

Security Clearance

Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government clearance is preferred but not required.

Location

We are hiring for this position in San Francisco, CA, Washington, DC; Santa Monica, CA; Pittsburgh, PA; and Boston, MA. We offer a hybrid work arrangement that includes both remote and on-site options. Fully remote work within the US and visa support will also be considered.

Writing or Code Sample

A writing sample or a code sample is required for this position. This can consist of a recent paper or technical report (e.g., journal article, master's thesis, or academic project), or source code that demonstrates technical expertise in relevant domains.

Term

This position is a three-year term with potential for renewal and opportunities for longer-term employment.

Salary Range: $118,500 - $261,400

Visiting Technical Associate = $118,500 - $171,900

Visiting Technical Specialist = $146,200 - $211,900

Visiting Technical Expert = $167,300 - $261,400

RAND considers various factors in determining offers, including the role’s responsibilities, the candidate’s experience, education, skills, and internal equity. Successful candidates will receive an offer in a specific title based on their education and experience. The salary range includes base pay and RAND's sabbatical pay, which provides additional compensation during vacation periods. We also offer a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, life and disability insurance, savings plans, and paid time off.

Equal Opportunity Employer