Application Guide

How to Apply for Senior Research Lead, AI Security Portfolio

at RAND Corporation

🏢 About RAND Corporation

The RAND Corporation is a unique nonpartisan think tank that bridges research and real-world policy impact, operating at the intersection of academia, government, and industry. Working at RAND means contributing to evidence-based decision-making that shapes national security and technology policy, with research that directly informs high-stakes government and industry decisions.

About This Role

This Senior Research Lead role involves defining and driving RAND's research agenda on securing advanced AI systems while managing a portfolio of 15-30 senior technical staff and researchers. The position requires integrating technical R&D, cybersecurity operations, and policy analysis to shape frameworks that will govern AI security at national levels, making it impactful for both technological advancement and national security policy.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reviewing research progress across multiple AI security projects, providing strategic guidance to senior technical staff, preparing for engagements with government stakeholders, and synthesizing technical findings into policy-relevant briefings. You'd balance deep technical discussions about AI vulnerabilities with high-level policy conversations about regulatory frameworks.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who RAND Corporation Is Looking For

  • Has 8+ years experience leading research portfolios specifically at the intersection of AI security and cybersecurity, not just general AI or cybersecurity experience
  • Demonstrates proven ability to mentor and manage senior technical staff (not just junior researchers) in complex, multi-disciplinary research environments
  • Possesses direct experience engaging with senior government stakeholders (e.g., DOD, DHS, intelligence community) and industry leaders on AI security policy
  • Can show examples of integrating technical R&D with policy analysis in previous roles, not just expertise in one domain

📝 Tips for Applying to RAND Corporation

1

Highlight specific research portfolio leadership experience in AI security/cybersecurity, quantifying team size, budget, and policy impact

2

Demonstrate understanding of RAND's nonpartisan, evidence-based approach by referencing specific RAND publications on AI or cybersecurity policy

3

Show how you've previously engaged with senior government stakeholders - name specific agencies or programs you've worked with

4

Tailor your resume to show integration of technical R&D, cybersecurity operations, AND policy analysis in past projects

5

Reference RAND's specific research areas in AI security by mentioning their work with DARPA, IARPA, or specific government AI initiatives

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your experience defining and driving research agendas at the intersection of AI security and policy', 'Specific examples of managing senior technical staff in complex research environments', 'Demonstrated ability to engage with senior government stakeholders on technology policy', "How your background aligns with RAND's mission of improving policy through objective research"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review RAND's recent publications on AI security, cybersecurity, and technology policy (particularly from their National Security Research Division)
  • → Study RAND's organizational structure and how research divisions interact with government sponsors
  • → Research RAND's current government contracts and partnerships related to AI and cybersecurity
  • → Understand RAND's nonpartisan, evidence-based approach and how it differs from advocacy think tanks
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you define and prioritize research questions for RAND's AI security portfolio given current geopolitical tensions?
2 Describe your approach to mentoring senior technical staff who may have more domain expertise than you in specific areas
3 How have you previously translated technical AI security research into actionable policy recommendations?
4 What stakeholders would you engage first at RAND and in government to advance this portfolio?
5 How would you balance academic rigor with practical policy relevance in this research portfolio?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on technical AI expertise without demonstrating policy analysis or stakeholder engagement experience
  • Presenting as an advocate rather than an objective researcher (RAND values nonpartisan, evidence-based approaches)
  • Failing to demonstrate experience managing senior staff or showing only experience with junior researchers

📅 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!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to RAND Corporation!

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