AI & Bio Research Operations Lead

RAND Corporation; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); Hybrid; USD 103,000 - 174,000; Full time

Job summary

RAND Corporation's CAST seeks an Operations Manager to support people operations and manage the CAST Operations team. This role is high-ownership, blending hands-on execution with leadership and project-management across a fast-moving center.

You will enable research teams, shape the employee experience, and partner with RAND functions to drive operational excellence. This 3-year term role offers full-time employment with hybrid work options in multiple locations.

Qualifications

• Experience managing teams of 2–3 people.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience navigating complex institutional structures and cross-functional partnerships.
• Clear and diplomatic communicator in professional settings.
• Ability to maintain composure under competing deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Manage Center people support processes ensuring seamless onboarding and offboarding.
• Lead team deployments for fellowships, IPAs, and other assignments.
• Oversee project management for internal teams and RAND performance review cycles.
• Provide high-level project management on cross-center initiatives.
• Oversee at least one satellite office and related operations.
• Mentor junior operations staff and guide day-to-day priorities.

Skills

Team leadership

Organizational skills

Cross-functional partnerships

Effective communication

Calm under deadlines

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

PMP certification substitute

Job description

RAND Corporation's CAST seeks an Operations Manager to support people operations and manage the CAST Operations team. This role is high-ownership, blending hands-on execution with leadership and project-management across a fast-moving center.

You will enable research teams, shape the employee experience, and partner with RAND functions to drive operational excellence. This 3-year term role offers full-time employment with hybrid work options in multiple locations.