Research Lead - AI Cyber Testing & Evaluation

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate - Rand Realty; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 146,000 - 261,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Savings plan

Paid time off

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

RAND Corporation's Center on AI, Security, and Technology (CAST) seeks a Research Lead at the specialist/expert level to drive advanced security research and policy-relevant analyses across multiple sites including San Francisco, Washington, DC, Santa Monica, Pittsburgh and Boston. A hybrid work arrangement is offered, with some remote options and potential for fully remote consideration.

The role requires 6+ years in technical fields and 6+ years in technical management, with strong writing and

Qualifications

• 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 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.

Skills

Python

Java

C/C++

Technical management

Project leadership

Threat modeling

English communication

Team collaboration

MS Office

Education

PhD in CS/CE/Cybersecurity/InfoSec/Math/Physics/Engineering and Policy

Master's degree in relevant field

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

CNODP/RIOT/FORGE or equivalent experience

Job description

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.

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