Application Guide
How to Apply for AI Security / Biosecurity Engineer, RAND CAST
at RAND Corporation
🏢 About RAND Corporation
The RAND Corporation is a unique nonpartisan research organization that bridges academic rigor with real-world policy impact, operating at the intersection of government, academia, and public service. Working at RAND offers the opportunity to contribute to evidence-based policy decisions that shape national and global security, with a culture that values deep analytical thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration.
About This Role
As an AI Security/Biosecurity Engineer at RAND CAST, you'll be developing technical frameworks and threat models to assess risks at the intersection of artificial intelligence and biological systems. This role is impactful because you'll directly inform policy recommendations that could prevent catastrophic scenarios involving AI-enabled biological threats or dual-use biotechnology.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve analyzing recent AI model vulnerabilities for potential biological applications, collaborating with policy researchers to draft threat assessment frameworks, and participating in interdisciplinary meetings with computer scientists, biologists, and policy analysts. You'd likely spend time reviewing technical literature while also preparing briefings that translate findings into actionable recommendations for security stakeholders.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who RAND Corporation Is Looking For
- Has technical expertise in both AI/ML systems (especially security vulnerabilities) and biological systems/lab protocols
- Demonstrates experience translating technical risks into actionable policy recommendations for non-technical audiences
- Possesses strong interdisciplinary thinking skills to connect AI capabilities with biological threat vectors
- Shows familiarity with government security frameworks (like NIST) and biosecurity regulations
📝 Tips for Applying to RAND Corporation
Highlight any experience with RAND's research methodologies or previous engagement with policy-oriented research
Demonstrate understanding of CAST's (Center for Analysis of Strategic Threats) specific focus areas in your application materials
Reference specific RAND publications on AI safety or biosecurity to show you've done your homework
Emphasize your ability to work in interdisciplinary teams - crucial for RAND's collaborative research environment
Include examples of how you've communicated complex technical concepts to policymakers or decision-makers
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your ability to bridge technical AI/biosecurity expertise with policy relevance', "Specific examples of interdisciplinary research or analysis you've conducted", "Why RAND's nonpartisan, evidence-based approach aligns with your professional values", 'How your background prepares you to address emerging threats at the AI-biology intersection']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → RAND's CAST publications and recent reports on emerging threats
- → RAND's organizational structure and how CAST fits within their research divisions
- → Specific projects RAND has conducted for DARPA, DHS, or other security-focused agencies
- → RAND's approach to nonpartisan research and their quality assurance standards
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing only on technical skills without demonstrating policy relevance or communication abilities
- Showing unfamiliarity with RAND's nonpartisan research mandate or evidence-based approach
- Presenting as purely academic without understanding the applied, decision-support nature of RAND's work
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to RAND Corporation!