AI / Bio Senior Research Project Manager for the Meselson Center (Term)

Job Type:
Term (Fixed Term)

AI / Bio Senior Research Project Manager for the Meselson Center (Term)

RAND has an exciting opportunity for a Senior AI/Bio Research Project Manager to support the Meselson Center within the Global and Emerging Risks (GER) division. The Meselson Center is dedicated to improving frontier AI security and reducing risks from biological threats through policy research and engagement. Two recent research products in these two domains are Securing AI Model Weights and Policy Options to Prevent the Creation of Mirror Life.

Using discretion and independent judgement, the successful candidate will work with the Center management team to oversee project and aspects of center administration and ensure they are completed successfully, in a timely fashion, and within budget. Will also plan and designate project resources, oversee budgets, monitor progress, and keep sponsors and leadership informed the entire way.

Main responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Project management for AI security and biosecurity policy research projects at the Meselson Center, managing resources and timelines in an effective and efficient manner.
• Leads recruiting rounds for AI security and biosecurity roles and operational roles, coordinating closely with RAND HR and talent teams to ensure rapid and high-quality hiring processes.
• Directs the work of some core operations functions and oversees the work of some operations staff.
• Develops effective collaborations with internal RAND teams including in Finance, Quality Assurance, Talent, and HR.
• Partners with Meselson Center leadership on strategic planning and goal-setting.
• Support Meselson Center fundraising and strategic budgeting.
• Runs workshops, conferences, and team retreats to help researchers share research ideas and attract top talent.

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. This position also requires:

• Ability to manage multiple competing priorities
• Inquisitive active thinker willing and able to quickly learn new concepts; take initiative to advance assignments as far as possible with minimal direction
• Excellent attention to detail, able to produce high-quality precision work
• Proven ability to get things done quickly and effectively, and independently overcoming a variety of organizational and operational hurdles
• Proven ability to adapt to changing priorities
• Excellent verbal communication, judgment, and interpersonal skills, plus the ability to work closely with all levels of staff throughout the organization
• Proactive, with a sense of ownership

Required:

• 5+ years of experience in team management, project management, program management, or operations roles, including management of teams of 5 employees or more.
• Demonstrated experience in successfully designing and executing recruiting rounds for technical and/or operations roles.
• Strategic problem-solving skills and ability to drive organizational growth.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate complex organizational structures.
• Exceptional reliability and attention to detail in demanding environments.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.

Preferred:

• Experience as a Director of an AI security or biosecurity team, Director of Ops, or Co-Founder or a rapidly growing organization.
• Experience in government, think tanks, or industry-leading organizations.
• Experience in high intensity fast-paced environments.
• Experience with research on AI, biology, or information security.

Education

Bachelor's degree required; a Master's degree in organizational development, public policy, human resources, education, or a related field is preferred.

A bachelor's degree in business administration, public policy, political science, or similar discipline and at least eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience to include more than five (5) years of project/program management experience in research organizations, or a combination of education and experience that demonstrates the desired knowledge, skills and abilities may be substituted for a BS/BA degree.

Experience

8 years minimum experience; 12 years preferred experience

Term

This position is structured as a focused three-year appointment to create the urgency needed to drive ambitious change in this rapidly evolving field. Every day of your tenure will count toward achieving ambitious projects in biosecurity. The appointment may be renewed for additional time, with options for longer-term employment at RAND thereafter.

Location

Washington, DC or San Francisco Bay Area, CA preferred. Remote is possible for exceptional candidates. We offer a hybrid work arrangement, combining work from home and on-site operations.

Salary Range: $102,800 - $184,500

Project Manager III $102,800-$156,500

Project Manager IV $120,900-$184,500

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