Job Type:

Bachelor’s Level Research Assistant – Quantitative (Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Math, Statistics, etc.) (Term)

RAND is seeking highly motivated Research Assistants to work as members of multi-disciplinary research teams addressing complex policy problems. This posting is specifically looking for Bachelor’s level applicants with technical degrees that have interest in policy applications. Research Assistants work on a variety of research areas including health, mental health, education, science, technology, AI policy, human resource and workforce management in the military, national and homeland security issues, cyber security, disaster resilience, justice policy, infrastructure, energy and environment issues. Research Assistants will work with teams of experienced researchers.  

This is a limited duration position not to exceed 3 years with a start date of summer 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and will close January 10, 2025.

Duties

Research Assistants provide quantitative and qualitative research support on tasks. Research Assistants' tasks include data collection, preparation, and analysis (e.g., data extraction and merging, summary statistics and regression analysis), support to modeling and simulation, computer programming, literature reviews, note-taking, writing, preparation of draft documents and presentations and coordination of work among project team members. Research Assistants may travel with project teams and may have the opportunity to co-author reports and journal articles.

Basic Qualifications

Applicants should have excellent research and analysis skills demonstrated in coursework or work experience, solid technical and/or programming skills, the capacity to pick up new technical subjects quickly, the ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, strong writing skills, and the ability to work effectively as a member of multi-disciplinary teams. Must have proficiency to undertake research assignments with little supervision. Applicants should have the competence to take initiative and have the ability to quickly gather, ingest and consolidate large amounts of information and data. Successful candidates will be thoughtful, thorough, disciplined researchers able to work simultaneously on multiple projects and meet deadlines. They must be highly motivated, organized, flexible, and demonstrate a strong commitment to RAND's core values of quality and objectivity. Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in quantitative analysis tools and programming languages, with demonstrated experience in at least two of: statistical computing (R, Python), software development (C++, Java), data manipulation (SQL), machine learning frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch), and version control/deployment tools (Git, APIs)

• Research assistant experience, either in an academic setting, in another research-oriented organization, or within a research unit of a public- or private-sector firm, or with related federal government agencies

• Knowledge from coursework or experience with artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL), natural language processing (NPL), large language models (LLMs), computing hardware, AI safety, biological design tools, biosecurity

• U.S. government security clearance

• Military experience

Education

This position is for Bachelor’s level applicants only. Master’s level applicants should look for Analyst positions on the RAND career site. A Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, data science, math, economics, statistics, physics, operations research or similar technical degree with an interest in policy issues is required.

Experience

0-1 years of related research experience.

Location

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

Security Clearance

Candidates with interest in working on the national security issues must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.

Salary Range: $49,200-$67,700

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. This position is overtime eligible. Successful candidates will be offered employment in a specific title, as determined by the candidate's education and experience. In addition, RAND provides strong benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, paid time-off and more. 

Positions Open

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