Application Guide
How to Apply for AI Security Resident, Legal Research
at RAND Corporation
🏢 About RAND Corporation
The RAND Corporation is a unique nonpartisan think tank that directly influences public policy through rigorous, evidence-based research. Unlike traditional academic or corporate roles, RAND offers the opportunity to work on high-stakes national security and technology governance issues that shape real-world decisions. Researchers here operate at the intersection of scholarship and practical impact, making it ideal for those who want their legal and technical analysis to inform policy.
About This Role
This AI Security Resident role focuses specifically on the legal and governance dimensions of AI and biosecurity risks, requiring you to lead research that translates complex technical threats into actionable policy frameworks. You'll be designing governance structures and risk assessments that could directly influence how the U.S. approaches emerging technologies. The impact lies in shaping the legal and regulatory landscape for AI security at a critical moment in technological development.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve analyzing recent AI regulatory proposals, drafting sections of a research report on biosecurity governance gaps, and collaborating with technical experts to understand emerging risks. You could spend the afternoon in a virtual team meeting planning stakeholder interviews for a project, followed by synthesizing legal research findings into clear policy briefs for diverse audiences.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who RAND Corporation Is Looking For
- Has 2-3 years of experience conducting legal research on technology policy, national security law, or regulatory frameworks, with demonstrable work analyzing statutes, regulations, or case law related to emerging technologies.
- Can point to specific projects where they successfully translated technical concepts (e.g., machine learning models, biological data systems) into clear legal or policy recommendations for non-technical audiences.
- Has managed research projects with multiple stakeholders, showing experience in creating project timelines, coordinating interdisciplinary teams, and engaging with external partners or clients.
- Demonstrates familiarity with AI ethics, biosecurity governance, or related policy debates through publications, conference presentations, or previous work products.
📝 Tips for Applying to RAND Corporation
Tailor your resume to highlight specific legal research projects involving technology or security policy, quantifying outcomes like reports published, stakeholders engaged, or recommendations adopted.
In your application materials, explicitly connect your experience to RAND's nonpartisan, evidence-based approach—avoid ideological language and emphasize analytical rigor.
Showcase interdisciplinary collaboration by mentioning specific projects where you worked with technical experts, policymakers, or scientists.
Research and reference specific RAND publications on AI governance or biosecurity (e.g., reports from their Center for Global Risk and Security) to demonstrate genuine interest.
Highlight any experience with stakeholder engagement in a policy context, such as briefing government officials, facilitating workshops, or presenting to diverse audiences.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Demonstrate your ability to synthesize technical AI/biosecurity concepts into legal analysis by briefly describing a past project where you did this successfully.', "Explain why RAND's nonpartisan, evidence-based mission aligns with your approach to legal research and policy design.", 'Highlight specific project management experience in a research setting, including how you planned timelines, coordinated teams, or managed deliverables.', "Express interest in contributing to RAND's interdisciplinary work culture, mentioning relevant collaborative experiences."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review recent RAND publications on AI governance, biosecurity, or technology policy from their website, focusing on reports from the last 2-3 years.
- → Explore RAND's organizational structure and research centers, particularly the Center for Global Risk and Security or the Homeland Security Research Division.
- → Understand RAND's nonpartisan stance and how it navigates policy debates—look for examples of how they present evidence without advocacy.
- → Research RAND's current projects or initiatives related to AI, cybersecurity, or emerging technologies to identify potential alignment with your interests.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting generic application materials that don't explicitly link your legal research experience to AI, biosecurity, or technology policy.
- Focusing solely on theoretical legal analysis without demonstrating ability to translate research into practical policy recommendations.
- Overemphasizing technical AI/engineering skills without balancing with legal research and policy design capabilities as required in the job description.
📅 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!