Senior Counsel, AI, Biosecurity & National Security

RAND; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 206,000 - 329,000; Full time

Job summary

RAND’s Office of the General Counsel seeks an attorney to lead legal work at the intersection of AI, biosecurity, and emerging technologies. You will partner with RAND CAST and guide teams through fast-moving, high-stakes challenges with minimal playbooks.

This hands-on role involves advising on national security law, export controls, and complex agreements, while shaping internal governance and external counsel direction.

Qualifications

• Minimum nine years of attorney experience advising on technology, emerging tech, or national security-adjacent matters.
• Detail-oriented, works well under pressure, aligned with RAND’s mission.
• Proven problem-solver who collaborates with technical teams and adapts quickly.

Responsibilities

• Partner with technical teams to structure programs and address novel legal questions at the intersection of national security and technology.
• Draft and negotiate agreements with government, researchers, and industry partners (research, data-sharing, NDAs, licensing).
• Counsel on technology transactions, including AI, digital assets, data use, and privacy considerations.

Skills

Legal tech liaison

National security knowledge

Collaboration with technical teams

Problem solving

Ambiguity tolerance

Travel readiness

Education

J.D.

Active U.S. bar admission

Tools

Legal research tools

Job description

RAND’s Office of the General Counsel seeks an attorney to lead legal work at the intersection of AI, biosecurity, and emerging technologies. You will partner with RAND CAST and guide teams through fast-moving, high-stakes challenges with minimal playbooks.

This hands-on role involves advising on national security law, export controls, and complex agreements, while shaping internal governance and external counsel direction.