Biosecurity Research Resident - AI x Bio Evaluations

Job Type : Term (Fixed Term)

Overview

RAND is seeking a mission-driven Biosecurity Research Resident to run the biological risk workstream of our AI evaluation team , working closely with the AI x Bio portfolio lead at RAND's Center on AI, Security, and Technology (CAST) to develop new approaches to evaluate and understand risk at the AI x Bio intersection through assessment, technical work, and policy analysis. RAND's reputation for excellence is built on our commitment to high-quality, rigorous analysis and objectivity. RAND is at the forefront of work on the impact of high-consequence, dual-use technologies on global competition and security. Our research has been used by the White House, government departments, the EU and UK governments, and industry leaders, among others. Our alumni have gone on to important roles at institutions such as the NSC, Commerce, DOD, Congress, Google DeepMind, OpenAI, EU AI Office, UK AISI, other key think tanks, and founding mission-driven tech initiatives. The AI evaluation team develops and conducts evaluations of national security relevant capabilities of frontier AI systems including both large language models (LLMs) and biological AI models such as biological design tools and biofoundation models. This Biosecurity Research Resident will oversee work assisting policymakers' understanding of the biological capabilities and risks of frontier AI systems and the development of technical mitigations to reduce the risk of misuse at the intersection of AI and biology. The Biosecurity Research Resident will develop short- and long-term strategic goals for the AI evaluation team and lead the multidisciplinary project team (including Biosecurity Research Residents, machine learning engineers, and policy researchers) to execute on these goals. This position is structured as a focused two-year appointment to accelerate research and provide rigorous analysis that informs evidence-based policymaking in this rapidly evolving field. Every day of your tenure will count toward achieving ambitious projects in biosecurity. The appointment may be renewed for an additional year, with options for longer-term employment at RAND thereafter. RAND's reputation for excellence is built on our commitment to high-quality, rigorous analysis and objectivity. As a Biosecurity Research Resident, you'll maintain that excellence while engaging with some of the most pressing challenges of our time. Only full-time schedules will be considered. Given the breadth of valuable work our team could do and the Biosecurity Research Resident's role in setting the direction, there is some ability to align projects with an individual's skills, interests, and career goals.

Responsibilities may include but are not limited to :

• Oversee a research portfolio managing an interdisciplinary team of >

5 people and with >

$10M secured funding

Qualifications

All research positions at RAND require excellent analytic skills; the ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English, 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 :

Preferred :

Education & Experience Requirements

RAND is hiring a Biosecurity Research Resident at either the specialist or expert level of experience. Minimum education requirements at the specialist level are :

A PhD in Virology, Molecular Biology, Computational Biology, Biology, Biostatistics, Biosecurity, Biodefense, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, National Security Policy, Policy Analysis, or similar with at least 3 years of relevant professional experience .

OR

A Master's degree in the fields listed above with at least 6 years of relevant professional experience .

OR

A Bachelor's degree in the fields listed above with at least 8 years of relevant professional experience .

Security Clearance

Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government clearance is preferred but not required.

Location

We are actively hiring for this position in Washington, DC; San Francisco, CA; Boston, MA; Santa Monica, CA; and Pittsburgh, PA. Washington, DC office is preferred. We offer a hybrid work arrangement, combining work from home and on-site options. Fully remote work will also be considered.

Term

This position is a 2-year term appointment with a possibility of renewal for up to 3 years total, alongside options for longer term employment.

Writing Sample & Cover Letter Prompts

Applications Must Include :

A writing sample demonstrating analytical and communication skills. This sample can use a recent, previously written paper or report (e.g., journal article, master's thesis or paper written for coursework, prior employment, or internship). Applicants with fields of study or work experience in which they have not produced written products (e.g., model development), or in which written products have dissemination restrictions, may submit a short, written summary (i.e., less than one page) of one or more recent products they have developed.

A cover letter which responds to the following prompts :

Salary Range

$141,800 - $267,100

Biosecurity Resident, Specialist = $141,800 - $221,600

Biosecurity Resident, Expert $170,900 - $267,100

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

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