Research Lead - AI Cyber Testing & Evaluation

Job Type: Term (Fixed Term) Position Description RAND's Center on AI, Security, and Technology (CAST), part of the Global and Emerging Risks (GER) Division conducts cutting-edge research on transformative, high-impact technologies—including artificial intelligence and biotechnology—to shape policies that protect global security and advance the public good. You will be responsible for managing significant research budgets and personnel, overseeing complex technical research and policy analysis projects, and leading multidisciplinary teams of policy researchers, engineers, and scientists. Your team will build systems to evaluate how AI models perform across the full attack lifecycle, including resource development, initial access, discovery, lateral movement, and defense evasion. Your projects may include developing benchmarks for fully autonomous operations using scaffolding and tools, as well as uplift of both novice and expert humans. Such benchmarks may involve environments like CTF challenges, frameworks for assessing ability to reason over attack graphs and conduct multi-stage operations, assessment of stealth and defense evasion capabilities, and benchmarks for ability to conduct time-sensitive operations at machine speed. Many of your evaluations will be commissioned directly by relevant government agencies, and the results of your evaluations will drive responsible AI policy across the world. Your team will communicate findings through detailed technical analyses, evaluation frameworks, and quick-turnaround policy briefs. Your work will inform analysis delivered to senior government and industry leaders. This position is structured as a two-year appointment with options to renew and explore opportunities for longer-term employment at RAND thereafter. RAND's reputation for excellence is built on our commitment to high-quality, rigorous analysis and objectivity. As a Research Lead - AI Cyber Testing & Evaluation, you'll maintain that excellence while engaging with some of the most pressing challenges of our time. Qualifications All research positions at RAND require excellent analytic skills; the ability to communicate clearly and effectively, 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. Required: 6+ years of technical experience in security engineering, software engineering, firmware engineering, hardware engineering, or related fields 6+ years of technical management experience, including leading cross-functional teams, managing project budgets, and mentoring and developing team members Demonstrated ability to successfully lead complex projects to completion Proficiency in Python, Java, C/C++, or other popular programming languages Experience with red team operations or offensive cyber capabilities development Ability to develop rigorous and comprehensive threat models and identify potential system vulnerabilities Strong ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment Fluency with MS Office suite Preferred: Graduate of the Computer Network Operations Development Program (CNODP), Remote Interactive Operator Training (RIOT), Future Operator Readiness Growth and Enrichment (FORGE), or equivalent experience Understanding of advanced persistent threat (APT) tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) and experience with defending against them Ability to think creatively about offensive and/or defensive techniques and strategies, beyond compliance with existing regulations Experience working on AI research, ML model training, or model deployment Education Requirements RAND is hiring a Research Lead at either the specialist or expert level of experience. Minimum education requirements at the specialist level include: A PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Cybersecurity, Information Security, Information Technology, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Applied Physics, Engineering Physics, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Engineering and Public Policy, Technology and Policy, National Security Policy, Policy Analysis, Political Science, International Relations, or similar with at least 3 years of relevant professional experience is required. OR A Master's degree in the fields listed above with at least 6 years of relevant professional experience, is required. OR A Bachelor's degree in the fields listed above with at least 8 years of relevant professional experience, is required. Master's or PhD preferred. Security Clearance Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government clearance is preferred but not required. Location We are hiring for this position in San Francisco, CA; Washington, DC; Santa Monica, CA; Pittsburgh, PA; and Boston, MA. We offer a hybrid work arrangement, combining work from home and on-site options. Fully remote work will also be considered. Writing or Code Sample Either a writing sample or a code sample is required for this position. This sample can use a recent, previously written paper or technical report (e.g., journal article, master's thesis or paper written for coursework, research project, technical analysis, briefings), or source code showing technical expertise in relevant domains. Term This position is a 3-year term appointment with a possibility of renewal, alongside options for longer term employment. Salary Range: $146,200 - $261,400 Visiting Technical Specialist = $$146,200 - $211,900 Visiting Technical Expert = $167,300 - $261,400 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 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 RAND is a research organization that develops solutions to public policy challenges to help make communities throughout the world safer and more secure, healthier and more prosperous. RAND's research and analysis address issues that impact people everywhere, including security, health, education, sustainability, growth, and development. RAND has approximately 1,750 people working in offices in the United States, Europe, and Australia, with annual revenues of $470 million. RAND is nonprofit, nonpartisan, and committed to the public interest. Our research is sponsored by government agencies, international organizations, and foundations. We rely on philanthropic support to pursue visionary ideas; address critical problems that are under-researched; and devise innovative approaches for solving acute, complex, or provocative policy challenges. RAND values objectivity and integrity in both its research processes and internal interactions. We emphasize a collegial environment that respects the contributions and dignity of all staff. RAND's reputation is built on quality and objectivity. RAND provides an exciting intellectual environment and opportunities for career growth with challenging assignments. As collaboration in interdisciplinary teams is an essential operating principle at RAND, we hire highly qualified talent and empower our people to do their best work by fostering a culture in which different views, backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued and respected, and staff have a sense of belonging with their colleagues, fair access to opportunities, and feel comfortable bringing their best selves to work each day. As part of our commitment to Equal Opportunity Employment, we welcome all applicants from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences to apply for this exciting opportunity. RAND is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact Human Resources at (310) 393-0411 or at jobs@rand.org and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.