AI Biosecurity Evaluations Research Scientist

RAND; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking mission-driven Research Scientists to join their innovative AI Capability Evaluations team. This role focuses on the intersection of AI technologies and biosecurity risks, contributing to impactful research that aids policymakers. The position offers a unique opportunity to work in a multidisciplinary environment, collaborating with experts in biosecurity and machine learning. With a preference for full-time candidates, this role provides a chance to engage in high-stakes projects that shape national security policies. If you are passionate about AI and its implications for biosecurity, this is an exciting opportunity to make a difference.

Benefits

Hybrid work arrangement

Access to extensive government connections

Opportunities for longer-term employment

Qualifications

• Expertise in virology, molecular biology, or AI required.
• Strong interest in AI biosecurity risks and evaluations.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Develop threat models for AI-bio intersection risks.
• Execute evaluations of AI capabilities relevant to policy.
• Communicate research results to policymakers effectively.

Skills

Analytic Skills

Communication Skills

Collaboration

Research Design

Quantitative Analysis

Education

PhD in relevant field

Master's degree with 3 years experience

Bachelor's degree with 5 years experience

Tools

Python

PyTorch

TensorFlow

Job description

Job Type:

Regular

Full-time or part-time

Overview

RAND’s Technology and Security Policy Center (TASP) is seeking mission-driven Research Scientist s for the biological workstream in our AI Capability Evaluations (ACE) team.

RAND's reputation for excellence is built on our commitment to high-quality, rigorous analysis and objectivity. TASP is at the forefront of work on the impact of high-consequence, dual-use technologies on global competition and security. Our research has been used by the White House, government departments, the EU and UK governments, and industry leaders, among others. Our alumni have gone on to important roles at institutions such as the NSC, Commerce, DOD, Congress, Google DeepMind, OpenAI, EU AI Office, UK AISI, other key think tanks, and founding mission-driven tech initiatives .

ACE develops and conducts evaluations of national security relevant capabilities of frontier AI systems, with a current focus on the intersection of large language models (LLMs) and AI agents with biological risk. Th ese Research Scientist s will contribute to work assisting policymakers ’ understanding of and mitigations for that intersection. They will be key part s of multidisciplinary project teams that include biosecurity experts, machine learning engineers, and policy researchers, and will have access to extensive government and industry connections.

This position is initially structured as a focused 1-year appointment to create the urgency needed to drive ambitious change in this rapidly evolving field. Every day of your tenure will count toward that goal. The appointment may be renewed for up to a total of 3 years, with opportunities for longer-term employment at RAND thereafter. Full-time and part-time (at least 20 hours per week) schedules will be considered, but with a preference for full-time.

Responsibilities

Given the breadth of valuable work our team could do, there is some ability to align projects with an individual’s skills, interests, and career goals. Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

• Develop concrete, operationalizable threat models for high-consequence risks at the AI-bio intersection, working with both internal and external partners

• Design and execute rigorous, objective evaluations of AI capabilities relevant to key bottlenecks within those threat models , using a broad range of analytically rigorous, quantitative and qualitative research tools, methods, and skills

• Execute on strategic and research priorities, with an emphasis on the policy impact of evaluations

• Interpret internal and external research results to support decision-making surrounding complex AI biosecurity policy problems

• Communicate research results to policymakers and other key stakeholders at all levels through written products and oral presentations

A successful candidate could grow into leading a team and/or mentoring more junior staff.

Qualifications

All research positions at RAND require excellent analytic skills; 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.

Required:

• Domain expertise in one or more relevant domains (e.g., virology, molecular biology, computational biology, biosecurity, c ybersecurity, a rtificial i ntelligence, n ational s ecurity )

• Strong interest in the intersection of LLMs and AI agents with biosecurity risks and AI capability evaluations as a route to impact

• Alignment with the team’s focus on high-consequence biosecurity risks and AI misuse risks as a threat to national security

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, tailored to technical and non-technical audiences , or ability to rapidly develop that

• Ability to design and execute research using analytically rigorous methods , or ability to rapidly develop that

• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment

Preferred:

• Deep familiarity with biosecurity policy, policymakers, and key policy levers (especially in the US), or an ability to rapidly develop that

• Expertise in at least one of the following: nucleic acid synthesis, AI-enabled biodesign , dual-use research of concern, potential pandemic pathogens, bioterrorism, AI capability evaluations, or working at/with leading AI companies

• Ability to reason about policy options given different technical considerations

• Aptitude for quantitative analysis and modeling, including modeling of uncertainty

• Experience in government, intelligence community, or other relevant decision-making offices

• Proficiency in Python or other popular programming languages and machine learning frameworks ( e.g. PyTorch , TensorFlow)

• Experience working on AI research, ML model training, and/or model deployment

• Experience in high-intensity fast-paced environments and/or navigating complex organizational structures

• Aptitude for project management and/or mentorship

Education Requirements

RAND is hiring Research Scientist s at the associate, specialist , or expert level of experience. Minimum education requirements at the associate level are:

A PhD in a relevant field. This can include 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, or International Relations. A degree in Virology, Molecular Biology, Computational Biology, Biology, Biostatistics, Biosecurity, Biodefense, or similar is preferred.

OR

A Master’s degree in the fields listed above with at least 3 years of relevant professional experience.

OR

A Bachelor’s degree in the fields listed above with at least 5 years of relevant professional experience.

Security Clearance

Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance, including having U.S. citizenship, is preferred but not required .

Location

We are actively hiring for this position in Washington, DC; San Francisco, CA; Boston, MA; Santa Monica, CA; and Pittsburgh, PA. San Francisco or especially the DC office are preferred. We offer a hybrid work arrangement, combining work from home and on-site options. Fully remote work will also be considered .

Term

This position is a 1-year term appointment with a possibility of renewal for up to a total of 3 years, alongside options for longer term employment.

Application

Applications must include:

• A detailed resume highlighting relevant academic and professional experience.

• A writing sample demonstrating analytical and communication skills. This sample may b e a recent, previously written paper or report (e.g., journal article, master’s thesis or paper written for coursework, prior employment, or internship). Applicants whose study and work experience (e.g., model development) has not involved producing written products that are shareable may submit a short, written summary (i.e., less than one page) of one or more recent products they have developed.

• Optionally, you may also submit a code sample.

• A c over letter which responds to the following prompts :

• Summarize in