Senior AI Security Research Leader

RAND Corporation; Santa Monica (CA); Hybrid; USD 167,300 - 261,400; Full time

Job summary

RAND Corporation's CAST leadership role focuses on securing advanced AI systems and evaluating cyber capabilities to guide policy. You will oversee two research teams totaling 15+ researchers, directing projects that span technical AI security research, cyber capability evaluation, and infrastructure development.

You will translate findings for policymakers and engage senior government and industry stakeholders, with a hybrid arrangement across multiple sites and remote options within the US.

Qualifications

• Technical experience in AI security, cybersecurity engineering, or adjacent fields.
• Proven success leading large technical or research programs with multi‑disciplinary teams and budgets.
• Experience designing and delivering complex projects from concept to completion.
• Deep understanding of AI threat models, system vulnerabilities, and cyber capability evaluation.
• Strong ability to communicate complex technical issues to senior non‑technical stakeholders.
• Familiarity with U.S. cybersecurity policy processes and agencies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive RAND's research agenda on secure AI systems and establish priorities.
• Lead cross‑functional projects integrating technical R&D, cybersecurity operations, and policy analysis.
• Mentor and manage senior staff and researchers across a 15–30 person portfolio.
• Translate technical findings into actionable insights for policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders.
• Oversee AI‑specific threat models, security architectures, and evaluation tools.
• Engage with senior government and industry stakeholders to inform decisions at high levels.
• Represent RAND at technical and policy forums, including national security working groups and briefings.

Skills

AI security

Program leadership

Policy analysis

Cybersecurity

Stakeholder engagement

Education

PhD in CS / EE / Security

MS in relevant field

BS with 12+ years experience

Tools

Threat modeling

Security architectures

Evaluation tools

Job description

RAND Corporation's CAST leadership role focuses on securing advanced AI systems and evaluating cyber capabilities to guide policy. You will oversee two research teams totaling 15+ researchers, directing projects that span technical AI security research, cyber capability evaluation, and infrastructure development.

You will translate findings for policymakers and engage senior government and industry stakeholders, with a hybrid arrangement across multiple sites and remote options within the US.