Visiting AI Security Resident

The Gist:

Lead cutting-edge research on AI security, cyber capabilities, and policy implications at RAND’s Center on AI, Security, and Technology. Ideal for experienced security engineers or software architects ready to bridge technical depth and policy impact.

What You’d Be Doing:

• Design and lead complex projects spanning technical research, policy analysis, and infrastructure development (e.g., threat models, evaluation tools)
• Conduct rigorous analysis on securing AI systems, identifying vulnerabilities and critical R&D gaps
• Communicate findings to government and industry leaders via policy briefs and detailed research products
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams on AI security strategy and implementation

What They’re Looking For:

• Education: PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, Cybersecurity, Math, Physics, AI, ML, Policy, or related field; OR Master’s with 3+ years relevant experience; OR Bachelor’s with 5+ years relevant experience.
• Experience: Required: technical experience in security/software/firmware/hardware engineering plus demonstrated technical management (leading teams, budgets, mentoring) and ability to lead complex projects to completion.
• Standout Qualifications: Red team operations, advanced persistent threat expertise, familiarity with cybersecurity agencies and U.S. policy development, experience securing AI systems, knowledge of AI/ML hardware and software stacks (GPUs, PyTorch, TensorFlow), and ability to obtain a U.S. government security clearance.

Good Fit If:

You blend deep technical security expertise with the ability to translate complex technical issues for policymakers and non-technical audiences. You’re energized by influencing high-stakes national security decisions through rigorous research rather than hands-on operations.