Remote jobs in Pittsburgh, PA

About the role

RAND’s Center on AI, Security, and Technology (CAST) , part of the Global and Emerging Risks (GER) Division, is seeking a technical and strategic leader to serve as Senior Research Lead – AI Security Portfolio. CAST conducts cutting-edge research on transformative, high-impact technologies—including artificial intelligence and biotechnology—to shape policies that protect global security and advance the public good. In this senior leadership role, you will oversee a large research and engineering portfolio focused on securing advanced AI systems, understanding their cyber capabilities, and informing the policy frameworks that govern them. You will report to CAST Founding Director, Sella Nevo , and lead two major research teams composed of 15+ researchers and engaged in projects that span technical AI security research, cyber capability evaluation, and infrastructure development. Your work will guide RAND’s broader efforts to ensure AI technologies are safe, secure, and aligned with U.S. and allied national security priorities. This position is structured as a focused three-year appointment to accelerate research and provide rigorous analysis that informs evidence-based policymaking in this rapidly evolving field. Every day of your tenure will count toward achieving ambitious projects in AI security. The appointment may be renewed with options for longer-term employment at RAND thereafter.

What you'll bring

• All research leadership positions at RAND require excellent analytic skills
• the ability to communicate clearly and effectively, 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.
• Technical experience in AI security, cybersecurity engineering, or adjacent emerging technology fields.
• Demonstrated success leading large technical or research programs, including managing multidisciplinary teams and budgets.
• Proven experience designing and delivering complex projects from concept through completion.
• Deep understanding of AI threat models, system vulnerabilities, and cyber capability evaluation.
• Strong ability to communicate complex technical issues to senior non-technical stakeholders.
• Familiarity with U.S. cybersecurity policy processes and agencies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• degree in the fields listed above with 9+ years of professional experience, is required.

Benefits

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