AI Security / Biosecurity Engineer, Rand Cast at RAND Corporation – United States REMOTE POSSIBLE HYBRID
Recruiter: RAND Corporation
About RAND Corporation
The RAND Corporation is a nonprofit, nonpartisan research organization that develops solutions to public policy challenges to help make communities throughout the world safer and more secure, healthier, and more prosperous. Founded in 1948, RAND conducts rigorous, objective research and analysis, providing actionable advice based on evidence and scientific methods. It serves government, business, philanthropy, and the international community.
Job Summary
This position offers an opportunity to contribute to international cooperation and sustainable development within RAND Corporation’s important work in international cooperation and sustainable development. Working in United States, you will collaborate with international colleagues and partners to address global challenges and promote sustainable development. This role provides an excellent opportunity for professional growth while making a meaningful contribution to international cooperation and global peace and security.
Full Job Description
Job Type:
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
Masters degree in the fields listed above with 3+ years of professional experience, is required.
OR
Bachelors degree in the fields listed above with at least 5+ years of professional experience, is required.
Masters or PhD preferred.
Term
This position is structured as a three-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 to, the specific role and associated responsibilities; a candidates work experience, education/training, skills, expertise; and internal equity. The salary range includes base pay plus RANDs 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
Key Details
- Job Title: AI Security / Biosecurity Engineer, RAND CAST
- Grade: N/A
- Location: San, United States (Flexible: in-person, hybrid, or remote)
- Department: RAND Corporation
- Contract Type: Professional Staff
- Estimated Salary Range:$84,000 – $144,000 USD annually
Qualifications
- Ph D 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 Analys is, Political Science, International Relations, or similar is required. OR Masters degree in the fields listed above with 3+ years of professional experience, is required. OR Bachelors degree in the fields listed above with at least 5+ years of professional experience, is required. Masters or Ph D preferred. Term Th is position is structured as a three-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 th is 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 to, the specific role and associated responsibilities; a candidates work experience, education/training, skills, expertise; and internal equity. The salary range includes base pay plus RANDs sabbatic pay (which provides additional compensation above base pay when vacation is taken). Th is 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
Skills
- Not specified in the official posting
Benefits
- including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, paid time-off and more.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official UN careers portal. Female candidates and candidates from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.