AI Security Researcher — Remote R&D Innovator

RAND; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 132,000 - 339,000; Full time

Job summary

RAND’s Center on AI, Security, and Technology (CAST) seeks researchers to advance the technical foundations of AI safety. You will conduct original work spanning theory, systems, and empirical evaluation, with dissemination through publications and policy-facing outputs.

The role emphasizes independent judgment, problem formulation, and collaboration across disciplines. This three-year term appointment with renewal options offers diverse work arrangements, including in-person, hybrid, and fully

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent, original technical research.
• Deep expertise in at least one area such as theoretical computer science, cryptography, formal methods, programming languages, computer security, systems, computer architecture, or machine learning systems.
• Ability to identify and formulate important research problems, showing creativity and initiative in the conception and execution of projects.
• Strong programming or systems-building ability in languages such as Python, Rust, Go, C/C++, or equivalent tools appropriate to the candidate's research area.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex research projects from conception through completion.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, geographically distributed environment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent, original technical research at the intersection of AI and security.
• Lead complex research projects from conception to completion.
• Communicate results through peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and research artifacts.
• Contribute to a broad program spanning fundamental research to systems building and empirical evaluation.

Skills

Python

Rust

Go

C/C++

Independent research

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Analytical thinking

Education

PhD in Computer Science

Master's degree with 3+ years

Bachelor's degree with 5+ years

Tools

Python

Rust

Go

Job description

RAND’s Center on AI, Security, and Technology (CAST) seeks researchers to advance the technical foundations of AI safety. You will conduct original work spanning theory, systems, and empirical evaluation, with dissemination through publications and policy-facing outputs.

The role emphasizes independent judgment, problem formulation, and collaboration across disciplines. This three-year term appointment with renewal options offers diverse work arrangements, including in-person, hybrid, and fully