Application Guide

How to Apply for AI Security / Biosecurity Engineer, RAND CAST

at RAND Corporation

🏢 About RAND Corporation

RAND Corporation is a prestigious nonprofit think tank that has shaped U.S. policy for over 70 years. Working here means contributing to high-impact, objective research that directly influences national security and public policy decisions.

About This Role

This unique role sits at the intersection of AI security and biosecurity, focusing on emerging threats like AI-enabled biological attacks. You will conduct technical assessments and develop risk mitigation strategies, translating complex findings into actionable policy recommendations for government and private sector clients.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reviewing the latest AI or biosecurity research, collaborating with a team of biologists and computer scientists on a threat model, and drafting a policy brief for a government client. You might also attend internal seminars or briefings with stakeholders to discuss emerging risks and mitigation strategies.

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🎯 Who RAND Corporation Is Looking For

  • Holds a PhD or Master's in computer science, AI, biosecurity, or a related field with a strong publication record or practical experience in dual-use technology risk assessment.
  • Has hands-on experience in AI security (e.g., adversarial ML, model poisoning) and/or biosecurity (e.g., synthetic biology risks, pathogen engineering).
  • Demonstrates ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, with prior experience in policy briefs or advisory roles.
  • Thrives in interdisciplinary collaboration, comfortable working with biologists, computer scientists, and policy analysts.

📝 Tips for Applying to RAND Corporation

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific projects in AI security or biosecurity, including any work with government agencies (e.g., DARPA, IARPA) or think tanks.

2

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your technical expertise to policy impact—RAND values actionable research, not just academic work.

3

Include a writing sample that demonstrates your ability to translate technical findings into clear, policy-relevant recommendations.

4

Research RAND's current projects in AI and biosecurity (e.g., the RAND Center for Global Risk and Security) and mention them in your application.

5

If you have a security clearance or have worked with classified information, emphasize that—it's a strong plus for this role.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your ability to bridge technical AI/biosecurity expertise with policy analysis, using examples of past work that influenced decision-making.', 'Highlight your interdisciplinary collaboration skills—mention specific instances working with experts from different fields.', 'Express genuine interest in dual-use technology risks and your motivation to contribute to national security.', "Mention familiarity with RAND's research methodology (e.g., rigorous, evidence-based, objective) and how your approach aligns."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review RAND's recent reports on AI security, such as 'The Malicious Use of Artificial Intelligence' and their biosecurity publications.
  • → Explore the RAND Center for Global Risk and Security and its projects on catastrophic risks.
  • → Familiarize yourself with RAND's research methodology and how they ensure objectivity and impact.
  • → Look into the CAST (China Analysis and Strategy) initiative to understand the geopolitical context of this role.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you assess the risk of an AI system being used to design a novel pathogen? Walk through your methodology.
2 Describe a time you had to communicate a complex technical risk to a non-technical policymaker. How did you ensure understanding?
3 What are the most pressing AI security threats in the next 5 years, and how should the U.S. government prioritize them?
4 How do you stay current with rapid advancements in AI and biosecurity? Give an example of a recent paper or event that changed your perspective.
5 RAND often works on classified or sensitive projects. How do you handle confidentiality and ethical considerations in your research?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't submit a generic cover letter—RAND values specificity and evidence of policy relevance.
  • Avoid overselling technical skills without demonstrating how they apply to real-world security challenges.
  • Don't ignore the biosecurity aspect if your background is purely AI; show willingness to learn or highlight cross-domain experience.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

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Good luck with your application to RAND Corporation!

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