Air Force/Space Force Military Operations Researcher

Job Type:

Position Description

RAND advises a variety of national security clients, including a wide array of DoD organizations, U.S. allies and partners, and foundations, on policy-level decisions relating to security, intelligence and military policy. Working in multi-disciplinary teams, RAND Researchers apply quantitative and qualitative skills to analyze policy problems of national and international importance and communicate the results of these analyses to decision-makers.

For this position, RAND is seeking to hire an experienced expert in U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force operations and policy. Operational experience is strongly desired. Responsibilities include leading research and providing strategic and conceptual advice and recommendations to senior leaders in a variety of Department of Defense positions. Military Operations and Policy Researchers should have extensive knowledge of, and demonstrable ability to, analyze military operations and policies related to the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force through experience in the military, government, academic, or policy research settings.  At the senior level, they should have experience working directly with senior officials as well as military commands. Their record should demonstrate strong research and analysis capabilities, deep knowledge of the policy environment, excellent leadership and organizational management capabilities, and the ability to build business and to provide intellectual leadership for military- related policy research.  

Qualifications

All research positions at RAND require excellent analytic skills, and 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. Senior positions require the ability to mentor and develop junior staff members, lead and direct multi-disciplinary teams, set project standards and monitor progress, and communicate interim and final results to the RAND community and to policy-making audiences. The position will require that applicants be eligible to receive, or currently hold, a security clearance from the United States government.

Education Requirements

Master’s degree or higher in one of the social or physical sciences or other discipline closely related to the topics outlined in the Position Description above.

Experience

Applicants should have at least 10 years of relevant professional experience in military planning and analysis with a record of progressively increasing responsibility. 

Security Clearance

U.S. Citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance. Ability to obtain a TS/SCI security clearance is required for this position.

Writing Sample Required

A writing sample is required for this position.

Location

Washington DC; Santa Monica, CA; Pittsburgh, PA

A hybrid work arrangement, involving a combination of work from home and on-site from RAND offices, is available. Fully remote work may be considered.

Salary Range: $115,400 - $262,500

Full Researcher: $115,400 - $190,000

Senior Researcher: $152,700 - $262,500

Hiring ranges for Economists, Management Scientists and Physician Researchers are slightly higher than the ranges shown.

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 as a Full or Senior researcher 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