Defense and Security Researcher

Job Type:

Diversity at RAND

Diversity, equity, and inclusivity are essential operating principles at RAND. We are committed to maintaining a collegial environment that respects the contributions and dignity of all staff, where individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths. This commitment is guided by an organization-wide framework for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, and paired with significant investments to sustain and center these principles in leadership, research, and community and stakeholder engagement. An advisory council comprised of staff at all levels provides critical feedback and perspective on the organization's diversity, equity, and inclusion plans and activities. Employee Resource Groups are staff-driven grassroots communities that seek to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion at RAND by facilitating community, connection, and a greater sense of belonging and well-being among colleagues. In our recruitment and retention efforts, we seek unique backgrounds, original views, and diversity in academic training, work experience, and ideological outlook.

Position Description

RAND advises a variety of national security clients, including a wide array of DoD organizations, U.S. allies and partners, and foundations, on policy-level decisions relating to security, intelligence and military policy. Working in multi-disciplinary teams, RAND Policy Researchers apply quantitative and qualitative skills to analyze policy problems of national and international importance and communicate the results of these analyses to decision-makers. For this position, RAND is seeking to hire an expert in defense and security issues. Responsibilities include formulating project ideas and working with potential project sponsors to gain support, leading research and providing strategic and tactical advice and recommendations to senior leaders, including in the Department of Defense. 

Qualifications

Defense and Security Researchers should have extensive knowledge of, and demonstrable ability to, analyze security and military policies through experience in government, academic, or policy research settings. Their record should demonstrate strong research and analysis capabilities, deep knowledge of the policy environment, excellent strategic leadership and organizational management capabilities, and the ability to provide intellectual leadership for defense and security-related policy research.

All research positions at RAND require excellent analytic skills, and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English, both orally and in writing; the ability to work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team; and a strong commitment to RAND's core values of quality and objectivity. Senior positions require the ability to develop new project ideas and gain support from potential sponsors, mentor and develop junior staff members, lead and direct multi-disciplinary teams, set project standards and monitor progress, and communicate interim and final results to the RAND community and to policy-making audiences.

Education Requirements

Ph.D., or Master’s degree with 5+ years of relevant research experience, is required in one of the social or physical sciences or other discipline closely related to the topics outlined in the Position Description above.

Experience

Experience in one of the following areas is strongly preferred: gaming, security cooperation, force development.

Security Clearance

A security clearance may be required for some projects; U.S. Citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance. An active Secret or interim Secret clearance is preferred.

Writing Sample Required

Two writing samples are required for this position. Pieces that show rigorous use of evidence and logic which are either solo or lead authored are preferred.

Location

Washington, DC; Santa Monica, CA; Pittsburgh, PA

Salary Range: $100,000 - $262,500

Associate Researcher: $100,000 - $154,200

Full Researcher: $115,400 - $190,000

Senior Researcher: $152,700 - $262,500

Hiring ranges for Economists, Management Scientists and Physician Researchers are slightly higher than the ranges shown.

RAND considers a variety of factors when formulating an offer, including but not limited to, the specific role and associated responsibilities; a candidate’s work experience, education/training, skills, expertise; and internal equity. Successful candidates will be offered employment as an Associate, Full, or Senior researcher in a specific title, as determined by the candidate's education and experience. The salary range includes base pay plus RAND’s sabbatic pay (which provides additional compensation above base pay when vacation is taken). In addition, RAND provides strong benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, paid time-off and more.

Equal Opportunity Employer: race/color/religion/sex/sexual orientation/gender identity/national origin/disability/vet