AI Security / Biosecurity Engineer, RAND CAST

Reference #: R3442

Job Type: Term (Fixed Term)

Overview

The RAND Center on AI, Security, and Technology (RAND CAST) is seeking technically excellent and mission-driven AI Security / Biosecurity Engineers to work across a number of our most critical and fast-paced AI security and biosecurity workstreams.

RAND CAST works on pressing national security challenges related to emerging technologies. Our areas of focus include AI security, compute, biosecurity and bioresilience, and the intersection of AI and biotechnology.

Emerging technologies, especially AI and biotechnology, have many promising beneficial and defensive applications. Given their dual-use nature, they also present a number of new security challenges. RAND CAST explores ambitious technical and policy approaches to solving these complex problems. We are a team of world-class technical and policy analysts, engineers, and scientists giving decision-makers the objective insights they need to navigate global emerging threats.

Position Description

We are looking for individuals who are driven by a bias for action; capable of developing and securing complex systems under high-stakes and fast-paced conditions; and can act as an owner, not just a contributor, with end-to-end ownership of critical, sensitive data infrastructure in a highly autonomous environment.

We have a number of ongoing technical projects across our AI security and biosecurity teams. Candidates will discuss initial projects with program leads as part of the interview process.

Qualifications

Required

Professional experience in software engineering with a focus on backend engineering and/or data engineering.

Demonstrated ability to build robust and technically complex systems with a security-first mindset.

Experience operating, monitoring, and deploying systems using modern cloud infrastructure.

Preference for working in a fast-paced, autonomous environment.

Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, tailored to technical and non-technical audiences

Fluency with MS Office suite

Preferred

Advanced knowledge of integrating Large Language Models (LLMs) into workflows.

Background in biosecurity, dual-use technology, or AI security and misuse.

Ability to scope cross-functional projects with internal customers and own their execution.

Experience with distributed data processing platforms.

Education Requirements

PhD in Biological Sciences, Computational Biology, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Cybersecurity, Information Security, Information Technology, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Applied Physics, Engineering Physics, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Engineering and Public Policy, Technology and Policy, National Security Policy, Policy Analysis, Political Science, International Relations, or similar is required.

OR

Master's degree in the fields listed above with 3+ years of professional experience, is required.

OR

Bachelor's degree in the fields listed above with at least 5+ years of professional experience, is required.

Master's or PhD preferred.

Term

This position is structured as a two-year appointment with options to later extend the initial appointment and explore other opportunities for growth.

Security Clearance

Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government clearance is preferred.

Location

We are hiring for this position in San Francisco, CA; Washington, DC; Santa Monica, CA; Pittsburgh, PA; and Boston, MA. We offer a hybrid work arrangement, combining work from home and on-site options. Fully remote work will also be considered.

Salary Range: $118,500 - $261,400

Technical Resident, Associate II = $118,500 - $171,900

Technical Resident, Specialist = $146,200 - $211,900

Visiting Technical Expert = $167,300 - $261,400

RAND considers a variety of factors when formulating an offer, including but not limited t , the specific role and associated responsibilities; a candidate's work experience, education/training, skills, expertise; and internal equity.The salary range includes base pay plus RAND's sabbatic pay (which provides additional compensation above base pay when vacation is taken). This position may be eligible for additional compensation. In addition, RAND provides strong benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, paid time-off and more.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Equal Opportunity Employer-minorities/females/veterans/individuals with disabilities/sexual orientation/gender identity

Remote

About the Company

RAND Corporation

The RAND Corporation is a research organization that develops solutions to public policy challenges to help make communities throughout the world safer and more secure, healthier and more prosperous. RAND’s research and analysis address issues that impact people everywhere, including security, health, education, sustainability, growth, and development. Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, RAND has approximately 1,950 people from more than 50 countries working in offices in North America, Europe and Australia, with annual revenues of more than $357 million.

RAND is nonprofit, nonpartisan, and committed to the public interest. Our research is sponsored by government agencies, international organizations, and foundations. We rely on philanthropic support to pursue visionary ideas; address critical problems that are under-researched; and devise innovative approaches for solving acute, complex, or provocative policy challenges. RAND values objectivity and integrity in both its research processes and internal interactions. We emphasize a collegial environment that respects the contributions and dignity of all staff.