Description

RAND is seeking highly motivated researchers and practitioners who would like to use their technical and domain expertise to directly impact government biosecurity policy to analyze policy problems of national and international importance for preventing pandemics and other biological catastrophes.

RAND Policy Researchers in Biosecurity conduct qualitative and quantitative research to produce actionable policy recommendations for the White House, intelligence community, defense department and other arms of the government and industry. They lead and contribute to multidisciplinary project teams to analyze biosecurity problems where the technical details matter.

Biosecurity policy researchers share and uphold RAND’s values to high-quality, rigorous analysis and objectivity, which has secured RAND's reputation for excellence and attracts studies that often pose novel challenges in analysis, modeling, research design, and computing. Researchers 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:

Biosecurity policy researchers will use their practical knowledge and experience in biosecurity policy and practice, coupled with their technical and methodological skills (e.g., in engineering, operations research, applied mathematics, and physical sciences) to:

• Develop research approaches to solve complex government biosecurity 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 biosecurity policy problems

• Communicate results to public policy makers at all levels through written products and oral presentations

Requirements

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 possess a strong commitment to RAND's core values of quality and objectivity.

In addition, successful applicants will have:

• Demonstrated knowledge and ability to analyze or implement policies involving strategy, doctrine, operations, tactics, systems or organization

• Ability for quantitative analysis and modeling, including modeling of uncertainty

• Experience in biogovernance or biodefense policy is strongly preferred

Education Requirements

Ph.D., or Masters in discipline closely related to the topics outlined in the position description above.

Applicants with a Bachelor's Degree or a JD degree and substantial research experience will also be considered.

Experience

• At least 3 years in policy research experience, preferably with experience in bio policy

• Ph.D., or at least 5 years of experience with a Master’s, or 10+ years of experience with a Bachelor’s Degree

• Preference for work experience in government, intelligence community, or other relevant decision-making offices

Security Clearance

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

Writing Sample Required

A writing sample is required for this position.

Location

Washington DC; Santa Monica, CA; Pittsburgh, PA; or Boston, MA. Open to full time remote.

Salary Range

Associate Researcher: $94,800 - $148,350

Full Researcher: $109,600 - $181,075

Positions Open

2

Equal Opportunity Employer: race/color/religion/sex/sexual orientation/gender identity/national origin/disability/vet