Senior AI Security Research Lead, Portfolio

RAND Corporation; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 167,300 - 261,400; Full time

Job summary

RAND's Center on AI, Security, and Technology (CAST) seeks a Senior Research Lead to steer the AI security portfolio, overseeing two major research teams of 15+ researchers. You will shape priorities across technical AI security research, cyber capability evaluation, and infrastructure development while aligning work with U.S.

national security goals. You will report to the CAST Founding Director and mentor senior staff, translating technical findings for policymakers and regulators, and

Qualifications

• AI security and cybersecurity engineering experience.
• Experience leading large technical or research programs.
• Design and deliver complex projects from concept to completion.
• Deep understanding of AI threat models, system vulnerabilities and evaluation.
• Strong ability to communicate technical issues to senior non-technical stakeholders.
• Familiarity with U.S. cybersecurity policy processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Define RAND's research agenda on secure AI systems.
• Lead cross-functional projects integrating R&D, cybersecurity operations, and policy analysis.
• Mentor and manage senior technical staff and researchers.
• Translate technical findings into actionable insights for policymakers and regulators.
• Oversee development of AI-specific threat models, security architectures and evaluation tools.
• Engage with senior government and industry stakeholders to inform decisions.
• Represent RAND at technical and policy forums and expert panels.

Skills

AI security

Cybersecurity engineering

Technical leadership

Project management

Policy analysis

Education

PhD + 6+ years experience

Master's + 9+ years experience

Bachelor's + 12+ years experience

Job description

RAND's Center on AI, Security, and Technology (CAST) seeks a Senior Research Lead to steer the AI security portfolio, overseeing two major research teams of 15+ researchers. You will shape priorities across technical AI security research, cyber capability evaluation, and infrastructure development while aligning work with U.S.

national security goals. You will report to the CAST Founding Director and mentor senior staff, translating technical findings for policymakers and regulators, and