RAND has exciting opportunities for highly motivated analysts interested in utilizing their experience to impact public policy across national security, homeland security, international issues, social and economic policy, health, education, and more at the highest levels. As a part of RAND’s research staff, analysts employ specialized quantitative and/or qualitative research skills tools, methods, and skills to support some or all phases of technical policy research as part of multi-disciplinary teams.

Key responsibilities includes:

• Contributing to the development of research approaches to complex policy problems;
• Executing of key project tasks (e.g., data collection, data analysis, tool design, and other analytic tasks) within an area of substantive training or experience required by the research project;
• Applying of a broad range of quantitative and/or qualitative research tools, methods, and skills in order to support complex research activities and/or research project management needs;
• Assisting in communicating the results of these analyses to decision-makers through documents, PowerPoint briefings, and other media.

Experience

Successful applicants are expected to have evidence of skills of technical knowledge in one or more substantive (e.g., defense acquisition, cyber security, natural hazards, capabilities development) or methodological (e.g., data analysis, machine learning, artificial intelligence, modeling) areas as demonstrated in academic coursework, prior professional experience including internships, publications, and conference presentations, and/or other documentable academic and professional experience. Experience using one or more programming languages and/or data analysis/visualization/simulation packages (e.g., C++, C#, Python, R, Java, SQL, Visual Basic, SAS, MatLab, Mathematica, Stata, NetLogo, Octave, Anaconda, Keras, TensorFlow, Hadoop, BigML, Pandas, Tableau, Sigma JS, MS Visio) is required.

All research positions at RAND require excellent analytic skills; the ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English, both orally and in writing; the ability to work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team; and a strong commitment to RAND’s core values of quality and objectivity.

Successful applications will include documentation the application package of academic and professional activities that meet stated qualifications and education requirements.

Education

A master’s degree, or bachelor’s degree with at least 10 years of relevant professional experience, is required. PhD level applicants should also consider research leadership positions such as Engineer, Information Scientist, Mathematician, and Physical Scientist.

Candidates with degrees in applied mathematics, computer science, engineering, operations research, data science, and physical sciences are preferred. A thesis or capstone project is also preferred.

Candidates with less than 15 years of professional experience are preferred.

Security Clearance

Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance. Please note that U.S. citizenship is required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.

Location

Santa Monica, CA; Washington, DC; Pittsburgh, PA; or Boston, MA

Writing Sample

A writing sample of 3 pages or more is required when applying for this position. Single-authored, non-professionally edited pieces are preferred. Applicants are encouraged to use pieces that have been published in academic or other journals but may use master’s theses or papers written for coursework, prior employment, or internships.

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