Technical Policy Researcher

RAND Corporation
United States, California, Santa Monica
Dec 14, 2024
Job Type: Regular Position Description Are you passionate about using your research skills to address critical policy challenges? RAND is seeking talented Technical Policy Researchers to join our team and contribute to impactful research in national and homeland security policy. RAND researchers contribute to and lead innovative projects that deliver objective, reliable insights for the public and policymakers at multiple levels. They embrace diverse challenges on topics ranging from quantum computing to risk analysis that require strong analytic capabilities, technical knowledge, and academic or industry experience in applied mathematics, optimization, modeling and simulation, data science, artificial intelligence, and logistics and operations. Why RAND? Reputation for Excellence: Be part of a non-profit, non-partisan organization renowned for its rigorous and objective research. Dynamic Opportunities: Collaborate in multidisciplinary teams on diverse projects that challenge and expand your skills. Poised for Impact: Your analysis will inform thousands of policymakers, clients, and other stakeholders around the world. Responsibilities Technical Policy Researchers will use their knowledge in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to: Develop research approaches to solve complex policy problems. Execute this research using a broad range of analytically rigorous, quantitative and/or qualitative research tools, methods, and skills. Interpret research results to support decision-making surrounding complex policy problems. Communicate research results to public policy makers at all levels through written products and oral presentations. Qualifications/Experience 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. Successful applicants will be able to present strong evidence of research experience, demonstrated through authorship of academic publications, conference presentations, or prior professional reports. Successful applicants with more than 10 years of professional experience will have demonstrated leadership experience through the following activities: mentoring and developing junior staff members, leading and directing multi-disciplinary teams, setting project standards and monitoring progress, engaging with stakeholders, and communicating research results to policy-making audiences. A record of scientific research experience in one of the following areas is especially desired: Mathematical physics with focus on quantum computing Electrical engineering with focus on signal processing, radar, and telecommunications Optimization with focus on autonomous systems, deep learning, or expert systems Applications of game theory and mechanism design Astronautical engineering with focus on modeling and simulation of space systems Emerging defense technologies including hypersonic technology Applications of decision analysis and stochastic modeling Uncertainty quantification with expert elicitation applications Experience or interest in working on national and homeland security topics is preferred. Education Requirements A Ph.D. in physical sciences is required. OR A Ph.D. in engineering, operations research, applied mathematics, or related field is preferred; a Master's degree with at least 5 years of relevant professional experience is required. OR A Ph.D. in computer science, information science, or closely related discipline is preferred; a Master's degree with at least 5 years of relevant professional experience, or a Bachelor's degree with at least 10 years of relevant professional experience, is required. This relevant professional experience should demonstrate the applicant's ability to design, execute and disseminate results of research using analytically rigorous methods. Security Clearance The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance is strongly preferred. Please note that U.S. citizenship is required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance. Location Santa Monica, CA; Washington, DC; Pittsburgh, PA. Application Materials Successful applications will include documentation in the application package of academic and professional activities that meet stated qualifications. A writing sample of 3 pages or more is required for this position. Applicants are encouraged to use recent pieces that have been published in academic or other journals but may use master's theses or papers written for coursework, prior employment, or internships. Note that applicants invited to interview will be required to present a seminar describing recent research. Salary Range: $100,000 - $262,500 Associate Researcher: $100,000 - $154,200 Full Researcher: $115,400 - $190,000 Senior Researcher: $152,700 - $262,500 Hiring ranges for Economists, Management Scientists and Physician Researchers are slightly higher than the ranges shown. 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 as an Associate or Full researcher 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. Application Review This notice will be open until January 10, 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with the majority being reviewed by late January. Equal Opportunity Employer: race/color/religion/sex/sexual orientation/gender identity/national origin/disability/vet