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Early/Mid-Career Technical Policy Researcher

RAND Corporation
remote work
United States, D.C., Washington
Oct 06, 2024
Job Type: Regular Position Description RAND is seeking highly motivated researchers who would like to use their technical skills and experience to directly impact National and Homeland Security policies at the highest level. As part of RAND's research staff, Technical Policy Researchers conduct research that assists public policy makers at all levels and the public at large in efforts to strengthen the nation's economy, maintain its security, and improve quality of life. Technical Policy Researchers are expected to bring technical expertise to interdisciplinary teams to bear on a wide range of National and Homeland Security policy problems across RAND's research agendas. They apply their skills in novel and flexible ways to emerging problems at the cutting edge of their fields and apply their insights to critical policy issues. Responsibilities Technical Policy Researchers will use their technical skills (e.g., in engineering, operations research, applied mathematics, physical sciences, and related fields) 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 government acquisition policy problems. Communicate research results to public policy makers at all levels through written products and oral presentations. 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. Successful applicants will be able to present strong evidence of research experience, demonstrated through authorship of academic publications, conference presentations, or prior professional reports. 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 Education Requirements A Ph.D. in physical sciences is required. OR A Ph.D.; or Master's degree with 5 years of relevant professional experience in engineering, operations research, applied mathematics, or related field is required. Relevant professional experience should demonstrate the applicant's ability to design, execute and disseminate results of research using analytically rigorous methods. Security Clearance 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. This position is eligible for RAND's hybrid work environment, which enables a blend of on-site and remote work. Salary Range: $100,000 - $190,000 Associate Researcher: $100,000 - $154,200 Full Researcher: $115,400 - $190,000 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 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. Equal Opportunity Employer: race/color/religion/sex/sexual orientation/gender identity/national origin/disability/vet