Application Guide

How to Apply for Research Resident, AI and Biosecurity

at RAND Corporation

🏢 About RAND Corporation

The RAND Corporation is a unique nonpartisan think tank that operates as a public interest organization, not for profit. Unlike many research institutions, RAND's work directly informs government policy and decision-making at the highest levels, offering researchers the rare opportunity to see their analysis translate into real-world impact on national security and public welfare.

About This Role

This Research Resident role focuses specifically on the intersection of artificial intelligence and biosecurity risks, conducting original research to shape policies that protect global security. You'll be analyzing emerging threats and prevention strategies, then translating complex findings into actionable policy briefs for both technical experts and policymakers, making this role critical for addressing some of humanity's most pressing technological challenges.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve analyzing recent AI developments for potential biosecurity implications, collaborating remotely with technical experts and policy analysts to refine research questions, and drafting sections of a policy brief that translates complex risk assessments into actionable recommendations for government stakeholders. You'll balance deep research with communication tasks, ensuring findings are both rigorous and accessible to decision-makers.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who RAND Corporation Is Looking For

  • Has demonstrable experience applying both quantitative (statistical modeling, data analysis) AND qualitative (case studies, expert interviews) methods to complex policy problems
  • Can point to specific examples of translating technical research into accessible policy recommendations for non-expert audiences
  • Has background or strong interest in both AI governance/ethics AND biological threat assessment/prevention (not just one domain)
  • Shows evidence of successful collaboration in interdisciplinary teams, particularly bridging technical and policy perspectives

📝 Tips for Applying to RAND Corporation

1

Highlight specific research projects where you've analyzed emerging technology risks - quantify your impact (e.g., 'analysis informed X policy decision' or 'research reached Y stakeholders')

2

Demonstrate understanding of RAND's unique position as a nonpartisan bridge between research and policy by referencing specific RAND publications on AI or biosecurity in your materials

3

Tailor your examples to show you can work effectively in remote, distributed research teams - RAND has been remote-friendly long before COVID-19

4

Include a writing sample that shows both technical rigor AND policy relevance - ideally a policy brief or executive summary format

5

Explicitly connect your skills to both sides of the 'AI and biosecurity' focus - don't assume they'll infer your experience spans both domains

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific interest in the AI-biosecurity intersection and why this emerging field matters for global security policy', "Examples of how you've previously communicated complex research to both technical and non-technical decision-makers", 'Your approach to interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly between technical experts and policy analysts', "Why RAND's nonpartisan, public-interest mission aligns with your research values and career goals"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read RAND's recent publications on AI governance and biological threats - particularly work from their Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center
  • → Understand RAND's unique funding model and how it maintains nonpartisanship while working with government clients
  • → Research RAND's remote work culture and how distributed teams collaborate on complex research projects
  • → Look into specific policymakers and agencies RAND regularly briefs on security issues (DOD, DHS, Congress)
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk us through how you would design a research project assessing AI's role in accelerating or mitigating biological threats
2 Describe a time you had to explain highly technical findings to policymakers with limited technical background - what was your approach?
3 How would you balance rigorous academic research with the need for timely policy recommendations in a fast-moving field like AI?
4 What specific RAND publications on security or technology policy have you read, and how would your research contribute to or build upon them?
5 How do you stay current on both AI developments AND biosecurity threats, and what emerging trends concern you most?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Presenting as purely an academic researcher without showing interest in or understanding of policy implementation
  • Focusing exclusively on either AI OR biosecurity rather than demonstrating interest in their intersection
  • Using partisan or advocacy language - RAND maintains strict nonpartisanship in its research
  • Submitting generic research samples without clear policy implications or stakeholder relevance

📅 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

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Good luck with your application to RAND Corporation!

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