AI / Bio Research Project Manager for CAST (Term)

Job Type:

RAND'sCenter on AI, Security, and Technology (RAND CAST)is seeking an AI / Bio Research Project Managerto support recruiting, people operations, finance, and procurement efforts in close coordination and collaboration with RAND HR, procurement, and other teams.

CAST is a 75+ person center at the forefront of transformative AI and biotechnology policy and their implications for global competition and security. Our teams work on verification frameworks forinternational agreements on AI, creating AI data centers that aresecure,unlocking energyfor AI production, developing models for public-private partnerships between frontier labs and government, and conductingAIxBioevaluations and mitigations, among otherinitiatives.

Main responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

• Run and facilitate full-cycle sourcing and recruiting for operations, AI security, and biosecurity roles, partnering with CAST research and leadership teams, CAST talent team, and RAND HR to run high-velocity hiring processes.

• Support CAST people operations, in collaboration with RAND teams, including onboarding and offboarding coordination, performance review cycles, term and contract renewals, and other staff lifecycle processes.

• Manage CAST procurement and budgeting efforts, in collaboration with RAND teams, including contractual agreements and budget tracking, contributing to the financial health and long-term sustainability of the center.

• Drive end-to-end management of AI security and/or biosecurity research projects at CAST, keeping complex, fast-moving work on track through rigorous resource allocation, timeline oversight, and proactive problem-solving.

• Build and sustain productive working relationships with internal RAND teams, including HR, Security, Finance, Quality Assurance, and Procurement to effectively navigate RAND's internal systems and processes on behalf of CAST personnel.

• May oversee 1-2 junior staff, providing day-to-day guidance, supporting professional development, and prioritizing workload in alignment with Center goals.

Qualifications

This position requires excellent analytic and problem-solving 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.

Required:

• 4+ years of experience in operations with experience in at least two of the following areas: sourcing/recruiting, people operations, finance, project management, or procurement. (A Master's degree in business administration, public policy, political science, or similar discipline may count for 2 years of experience).

• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to multitask, prioritize independently, and perform under pressure.

• Collaborative team player who demonstrates tact, courtesy, and professionalism at all levels of an organization.

• Excellent communication, judgment, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively across all levels of staff and a wide range of stakeholders.

• Proactive self-starter with a strong sense of ownership and the ability to advance work independently with minimal direction.

Strongly Preferred:

• Background or demonstrated interest in AI security/biosecurity through professional experience or relevant coursework.

• Experience in government, think tanks, or industry-leading organizations.

• Experience in high intensity fast-paced environments.

Education

Bachelor's degree in business administration, public policy, political science, or similar is required. Master's degree preferred.

Experience

4 years minimum experience.

Term

This position is a 3-year term appointment with a possibility of renewal, alongside options for longer term employment. We are seeking full-time candidates.

Location

We are actively hiring for this position in Washington, DC; San Francisco, CA; Santa Monica, CA; Pittsburgh, PA; and Boston, MA. We offer a hybrid work arrangement, combining work from home and at RAND offices.

Security Clearance

Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government clearance is preferred but not required.

Salary Range: $75,700-156,500

• Research Project Manager I: $75,700 - $112,400

• Research Project Manager II: $88,00 - $130,900

• Research Project Manager III: $102,800 - $156,500

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 in a specific title, as determined by the candidate's education and experience. The salary range includes base pay plus RAND's sabbatic pay (which provides additional compensation above base pay when vacation is taken). In addition, RAND provides strong benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, paid time-off and more.

Equal Opportunity Employer