Job Type:

RAND is seeking highly motivated Research Assistants to work as members of multi-disciplinary research teams that address complex policy problems. Research Assistants work on a variety of science, technology, cyber security, national and homeland security policy, education and health projects with teams of experienced economists, statisticians, physical scientists, engineers, operations researchers, social scientists, and policy researchers. This is a limited duration term position, not to exceed 3 years.

Duties

Research Assistants provide quantitative and qualitative research support on tasks. Research Assistants' tasks include data collection, preparation, and analysis (e.g., data extraction and merging, summary statistics and regression analysis), support to modeling and simulation, computer programming, literature reviews, note-taking, writing, preparation of draft documents and presentations and coordination of work among project team members. Research Assistants may travel with project teams and have the opportunity to co-author reports and journal articles.

Basic Qualifications

Applicants should have excellent research and analysis skills demonstrated in coursework and internships/work experience; solid technical and/or programming skills; familiarity with statistical packages is valued but not required; the ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing; and the ability to work effectively as a member of multi-disciplinary teams. They must be highly motivated, organized, flexible, and demonstrate a strong commitment to RAND's core values of quality and objectivity.

Education

BA/BS degree required preferably with a major in engineering, computer science, data science, economics, physics, math, statistics, operations research, or other technical degrees with an interest in policy issues. Master's-level applicants should look for Analyst positions on the RAND job posting site.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with technical subjects (e.g., large language models, machine learning, computing hardware, Artificial Intelligence safety, biological design tools, biosecurity, cyber security, defense innovation, technology and acquisition, defense cost analysis, etc.) and the ability to learn new technical subjects quickly

• Experience with research analytic software including computer languages (e.g., C++, Java, SQL, R, Python)

• Research Assistant experience, either in an academic setting, in another research-oriented organization, or within a research unit of a public- or private-sector firm; or intelligence communities, or with related federal government agencies

• Proficiency in one of the following languages is valued though not required - Mandarin, Arabic, Farsi, Dari, Pashto, Kurdish, or Russian (language skills will be tested)

• Military experience

Security Clearance

Possession of or ability to receive an active Secret or Top Secret U.S. government security clearance preferred.

Experience

0-2 years related experience

Writing Sample Required

A writing sample is required for this position.

Location

Pittsburgh, PA and Santa Monica, CA

Salary Range

$49,200-$67,700

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.This position is overtime eligible. Successful candidates will be offered employment in a specific title, as determined by the candidate's education and experience. In addition, RAND provides strong benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, paid time-off and more.

**Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and will close by May 1, 2024.

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