Research Lead – AI Biosecurity Evaluations

RAND
US - District of Columbia - Washington
May 5, 2025

Research Lead - AI Biosecurity Evaluations

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Overview

RAND's Technology and Security Policy Center (TASP) is seeking a mission-driven Research Lead to run the biological risk workstream of our AI Capability Evaluations (ACE) team.
Job Type : Regular, full-time or part-time, with a term (fixed-term).
About RAND and TASP

RAND is known for high-quality, rigorous analysis and objectivity. TASP focuses on high-consequence, dual-use technologies affecting global security, with research used by government agencies, the EU, UK, and industry leaders. Our alumni hold key positions in various institutions.
Role Description

The ACE team evaluates national security capabilities of frontier AI systems, focusing on the intersection of large language models (LLMs), AI agents, and biological risk. The Research Lead will oversee work to help policymakers understand and mitigate risks at this intersection, leading multidisciplinary teams with biosecurity experts, machine learning engineers, and policy researchers. The position is initially a 1-2-year appointment, with potential renewal and longer-term employment options. Full-time and part-time schedules are considered, with a preference for full-time.
Responsibilities

Manage a research portfolio with an interdisciplinary team of over 5 members and secured funding exceeding $7 million.
Develop operational threat models for high-consequence risks at the AI-bio interface, collaborating with internal and external partners.
Design and conduct rigorous evaluations of AI capabilities relevant to identified threat models.
Set strategic research priorities with a focus on policy impact.
Use diverse analytical methods to execute research.
Interpret research findings to inform policy decisions.
Communicate results to policymakers and stakeholders through reports and presentations.
Lead and manage an interdisciplinary team.
Maintain relationships with stakeholders.
Qualifications

All research positions require strong analytical skills, clear communication in English, teamwork ability, and commitment to RAND's values of quality and objectivity.
Required

Expertise in biology-related fields (e.g., virology, molecular biology, biosecurity).
Interest in the intersection of LLMs, AI agents, and biosecurity risks.
Alignment with high-consequence biosecurity and AI misuse risk focus.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Experience in technical management and leading complex projects.
Ability to design and execute rigorous research.
Ability to reason about policy options based on technical data.
Effective collaboration in multidisciplinary settings.
Preferred

Knowledge of biosecurity policy and policymakers, especially in the US.
Expertise in nucleic acid synthesis, AI-enabled biodesign, dual-use research, pandemic pathogens, bioterrorism, or AI capability evaluations.
Quantitative analysis and modeling skills.
Experience in government or intelligence sectors.
Proficiency in Python, machine learning frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow).
Experience in AI research, ML model training, deployment.
Experience in fast-paced, complex organizational environments.
Education Requirements

Minimum educational qualifications include a PhD with at least 3 years of relevant experience, a Master's with 6 years, or a Bachelor's with 8 years in relevant fields.
Security Clearance

Ability to obtain and maintain U.S. security clearance is preferred but not required.
Locations

Positions are available in Washington, DC; San Francisco, CA; Boston, MA; Santa Monica, CA; and Pittsburgh, PA. Hybrid work arrangements are offered; fully remote is also possible.
Term

1-2-year appointment with potential renewal and longer-term employment options.
Application Materials

Detailed resume.
Writing sample demonstrating analytical and communication skills.
Optional code sample.
Cover letter addressing career goals, interest in the role, preliminary research approach, strategic objectives, and uncertainties.
Salary Range

$137,000 - $246,600, with details for different levels.
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Read the full job description and apply online on the recuiter's web-site

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