AI/Bio Research Project Manager, Operations

RAND Corporation; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 76,000 - 174,000; Full time

Job summary

RAND Center on AI, Security, and Technology (CAST) seeks an Operations Manager to support the Center’s operations. This high-ownership role connects across the organization, enabling research teams and shaping the RAND CAST experience.

You will partner with operations leadership, refine processes, and manage cross-functional workflows in procurement, finance, events, and office operations, ensuring timely delivery of top priorities.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in project management or operations.
• Experience in procurement management, finance support, and events management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver solutions quickly.
• Experience working with large, diverse teams and tight timelines.

Responsibilities

• Partner with operations leadership on center-wide initiatives.
• Develop, refine and execute center-wide processes.
• Own and manage time-sensitive processes across procurement, systems, finance and events.
• Support the ops team in delivering top priorities for the center on tight schedules.

Skills

Project management

Operations management

Communication skills

Multitasking

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree

PMP Certification as substitute

Job description

Job Type

Term (Fixed Term)

About RAND

RAND is a nonprofit, nonpartisan research institution founded in 1948 to advise the U.S. government on matters of national security. For over 75 years, RAND has been a trusted source of objective, rigorous analysis for policymakers across administrations and agencies.

About CAST

CAST is an 80+ person center at the forefront of transformative AI and biotechnology policy and their implications for global competition and security. Our teams work on verification frameworks for international agreements on AI, creating AI data centers that are secure, unlocking energy for AI production, developing models for public-private partnerships between frontier labs and government, and conducting AIxBio evaluations and mitigations, among other initiatives.

Position Description

RAND Center on AI, Security, and Technology (CAST) is seeking an Operations Manager to support the Center’s operations. This is a high-ownership role on a fast-moving team supporting one of RAND's highest-priority research centers. In this position, you will play a vital connective role across the organization. You’ll be an integral part of our operations team, enable our research teams to do their best work, and shape the experience of working at RAND CAST.

Responsibilities

• Close partnership with operations leadership on center-wide operations initiatives
• The development, refinement and execution of center-wide processes
• Ongoing ownership and management of time-sensitive processes across functional areas, including the management of procurement, systems and office operations, finance, and events
• Handling of diverse tasks directly supporting the ops team delivering on top priorities for the center within tight timelines

Qualifications

• Minimum 4+ years of experience in project management or operations. (A Master’s degree in business administration, public policy, political science, or similar discipline may count for 2 years of experience).
• Experience in project management or operations in areas such as procurement management, finance support, and events management.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to multitask, prioritize independently, and perform under pressure.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Collaborative team player who demonstrates tact, courtesy, and professionalism at all levels of an organization.
• Operational management capabilities and strong problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work with large and diverse teams including both junior and senior members.
• Exceptional reliability and attention to detail in demanding environments.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver solutions quickly and efficiently.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate complex organizational structures.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.

Preferred

• Experience supporting organizations during rapid growth
• Experience in government, think tanks, or industry-leading organizations
• Experience with research on AI, biology, or information security

Education Requirements

Minimum requirement of a Bachelor's degree; Master's degree preferred. A Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification can substitute for a Bachelor’s degree. Experience 4 years minimum experience.

Security Clearance

Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government clearance is preferred but not required.

Location

Washington, DC (preferred); Santa Monica, CA; Pittsburgh, PA; or Boston, MA RAND offices.

Opporunity for hybrid work arrangement

Opporunity for hybrid work arrangement, combining work from home and on-site options in these locations.

Term

This position is a 3-year term appointment with a possibility of renewal, alongside options for longer term employment.

Working Hours

We are seeking full-time candidates.

Salary Range

• Research Project Manager I $75,700-$124,600
• Research Project Manager II $88,000-$145,200
• Research Project Manager III $102,800 - $174,40

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 [phone] or at [e-mail] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.