RAND’s Center on AI, Security, and Technology (CAST) conducts advanced research on artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and other transformative technologies to inform policies that safeguard global security.

As a Research Lead, you will manage significant research budgets, oversee technical and policy analysis projects, and guide multidisciplinary teams of engineers, scientists, and policy experts. Your work will focus on evaluating how AI systems perform across the cyberattack lifecycle — from initial access to defense evasion — and developing benchmarks that shape responsible AI policy worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

Lead technical research projects and policy analysis on AI and cybersecurity.

Build evaluation systems for AI performance across attack lifecycles.

Develop benchmarks for autonomous operations, reasoning over attack graphs, and multi‑stage cyber scenarios.

Produce technical reports, evaluation frameworks, and policy briefs for government and industry stakeholders.

Manage budgets, personnel, and cross‑functional teams.

Contribute to RAND’s reputation for rigorous, objective analysis

Required:

6+ years of technical experience in security engineering, software/hardware development, or related fields.

6+ years of management experience leading cross‑functional teams and budgets.

Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Java, or C/C++.

Experience with red team operations or offensive cyber capabilities.

Strong communication skills and ability to work in multidisciplinary teams.

Preferred:

Background in advanced persistent threat (APT) tactics and defense strategies.

Experience in AI/ML research, model training, or deployment.

Creative thinking in offensive/defensive cyber strategies.

Graduates of CNODP, RIOT, FORGE, or equivalent programs.

Education Requirements

PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, Cybersecurity, Mathematics, Policy, or related fields with 3+ years of experience, OR

Master’s degree with 6+ years of experience, OR

Bachelor’s degree with 8+ years of experience.

Advanced degrees (Master’s or PhD) preferred.

Security Clearance

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