Application Guide
How to Apply for AI Security Resident
at RAND Corporation
🏢 About RAND Corporation
RAND Corporation is a globally respected non-profit think tank that influences policy through rigorous research. Its interdisciplinary culture and commitment to public interest make it a unique place for those seeking to apply AI security expertise to real-world challenges.
About This Role
As an AI Security Resident, you will identify and analyze threats to AI systems, develop mitigation strategies, and collaborate with experts across domains. This role offers direct impact on national security and public policy by safeguarding critical AI applications.
💡 A Day in the Life
Start with a team stand-up to discuss ongoing AI threat analysis. Spend the morning researching a new adversarial attack, then draft a brief on its implications. After lunch, collaborate with a policy analyst to refine recommendations, and end the day by reviewing a colleague's model security assessment.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who RAND Corporation Is Looking For
- Has hands-on experience with AI/ML frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch) and understands adversarial attacks, model poisoning, or data privacy.
- Possesses a strong foundation in cybersecurity principles, including threat modeling, risk assessment, and secure system design.
- Demonstrates analytical rigor and ability to translate technical findings into actionable policy recommendations.
- Thrives in collaborative, mission-driven environments and can communicate complex ideas to non-technical stakeholders.
📝 Tips for Applying to RAND Corporation
Highlight any experience with AI red-teaming or security evaluations in your resume and cover letter.
Tailor your application to RAND's mission: explicitly connect your skills to improving policy and decision-making.
If you have published research or given talks on AI security, include links and mention their impact.
Emphasize your ability to work remotely and independently, as this role is remote.
Use concrete examples of how you've collaborated across disciplines (e.g., with policy experts or engineers).
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your understanding of AI security threats and why they matter for national and public policy.', 'Specific projects or research where you developed strategies to mitigate AI vulnerabilities.', "Your interest in RAND's interdisciplinary approach and how you can contribute beyond technical work.", 'Your ability to communicate complex security concepts to non-experts, as RAND values policy impact.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read recent RAND reports on AI security, such as those on adversarial machine learning or AI in defense.
- → Familiarize yourself with RAND's research divisions and how they integrate AI security into broader projects.
- → Understand RAND's remote work culture and how they support collaboration across time zones.
- → Check the backgrounds of current AI security researchers at RAND to see their focus areas.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing only on technical details without addressing policy or societal impact.
- Failing to show how your work has influenced decisions or policy (RAND values actionable research).
- Overlooking the collaborative nature of the role; avoid sounding like a lone researcher.
📅 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!