Associate Director, Meselson Center (MC), Global and Emerging Risks (GER)

Job Type:

Position Description

RAND’s Meselson Center (MC), which is a part of the Global and Emerging Risks (GER) division, is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Associate Director to assist the MC Director in managing all aspects of the center, including leading the execution the Center’s research strategy. As the associate director of the center, you will collaborate with the center’s director on the management of all aspects of the program, with a primary focus on management of research project development, program-level quality assurance, and the publications process.

The Meselson Center contributes to GER’s mission to develops novel methods and delivers rigorous research on catastrophic risks to humanity through its dedication to reducing risks from biological threats and emerging technologies. We focus on global risks that can potentially affect hundreds of millions of lives, focusing on biosecurity and AI security. We pursue clear and robust theories of change affecting key decisions taken by policymakers. Within its research streams, the program provides focused and sustained research, as well as short-term, quick-response support on critical issues. Given the demand for research and analysis in these critical areas, we expect our current 20-million-dollar center to double in size in next year or two.

This position is a 3-year renewable term, with an option to extend upon management approval. It is resourced at 70-100% time and will receive administrative support. Up to 30% of the associate director’s time will be engaged in direct research through either the MC, GER, or RAND’s other divisions.

Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Strategic Leadership.  Help direct and implement the strategic vision for MC’s policy R&D agenda, ensuring it remains at the forefront of biosecurity and AI security policy research, in close collaboration with the MC Center Director.

• Project Development.  Initiate, coordinate, and provide oversight for innovative and rigorous analysis projects at the center. Ensure the center achieves its goals under a variety of challenging constraints.

• Personnel Development. Advise on and drive significant portion of workforce  planning, especially regarding project leadership, project staffing, and tracking the integration of new hires.

• Policy R&D Oversight. Review all analytic outputs from MC, maintaining an integrated perspective on the Center’s policy research agenda and its evolution. Ensure research accuracy, timeliness, and relevance.

• Quality Assurance.  Work with the GER Quality Assurance Manager to ensure the quality, objectivity, and analytic rigor of MC’s work.

• Collaborative Engagement. Work alongside a diverse team of researchers and operational staff within MC and across RAND to promote interdisciplinary approaches and leverage the full breadth of RAND’s expertise and to foster an environment of innovation and rigor.

• Community Building.  Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders in the policy, technology, and security communities to ensure MC’s research is both influential and informed by real-world needs.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated success in leading complex research projects and teams, with a record of impactful publications and analyses.

• Evidence of intellectual leadership related to policy research development, particularly biosecurity policy, technology competition, and/or technology risks.

• Deep understanding of quality assurance processes and experience in managing research accuracy and integrity.

• Exceptional analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information and craft coherent, strategic research agendas.

• Strong leadership and collaboration skills, with a commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive research environment.

• Experience with and interest in mentoring and developing early career research staff.

• Excellent communication skills, capable of engaging effectively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.

Education Requirements

M.A. or PhD. in Policy Analysis, National Security, Biology, Public Health, Public Policy, Information Security, Computer Science, Engineering, Economics, Operations Research, Information Science, or a related field. PhD preferred.

Experience

Minimum of 8 years of experience in policy research, analysis, development, or implementation, with a preferred emphasis on biosecurity, AI, technology and security issues or PhD with 5 years of experience.

Security Clearance

Eligibility for a Top-Secret clearance preferred.

Location

This position is open to a hybrid work arrangement, working from home and the office. RAND has work and meeting space in San Francisco, CA and official offices in Washington, DC; Santa Monica, CA; Pittsburgh, PA; Boston, MA. Individuals located/interested in the San Francisco area are encouraged to apply. Research center management roles are expected to be in a RAND office/meeting space 50% of their time.

Application Materials

Interested applicants should submit a comprehensive CV and cover letter highlighting expertise in policy analysis and research leadership. A writing sample is also required for this position.

Salary Range: $115,400 - $262,500

Full Researcher: $115,400 - $190,000

Senior Researcher: $152,700 - $262,500

Hiring ranges for Economists, Management Scientists and Physician Researchers are slightly higher than the range shown.

At RAND, the research center management role is a termed assignment that is performed by an experienced researcher, but the researcher role is not a termed position. The candidate selected for this role will be offered regular employment with RAND as a researcher. 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. Successful candidates will be offered employment as a Full or Senior researcher in a specific title, as determined by the candidate's education and experience. The salary range includes base pay plus RAND’s sabbatical pay (which provides compensation above base pay when vacation is taken). RAND provides strong benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, paid time-off, and more.

Application Deadline

Applications for full consideration should be submitted by September 24, 2024.

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