Andrew S. Erickson

The RAND Corporation is hiring two China-specific positions: a China researcher position for mid-career or senior researchers and a China analyst position for early career folks.

China Defense & Security Researcher (mid-career/senior position)

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 Policy 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 expert in defense and security issues related to China. Responsibilities include formulating project ideas and working with potential project sponsors to gain support, leading research and providing strategic and tactical advice and recommendations to senior leaders, including in the Department of Defense.

Qualifications

China Defense and Security Researchers should have extensive knowledge of, and demonstrable ability to, analyze China-related security and military doctrine, strategies, and policies through experience in government, academic, or policy research settings. Their record should demonstrate strong research and analysis capabilities, deep knowledge of the policy environment, excellent strategic leadership and organizational management capabilities, and the ability to provide intellectual leadership for China defense-related policy research. Experience working directly with senior U.S. officials is preferred, along with a track record of publications on defense and security issues related to China. Additional expertise on broader Asia-Pacific security and political dynamics is preferred.

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 develop new project ideas and gain support from potential sponsors, 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 senior defense leaders, policy-making audiences, and the RAND community.

Education Requirements

Ph.D., or Master’s degree with 5-10 years of relevant research experience, in one of the social or physical sciences or other discipline closely related to the topics outlined in the Position Description above.

Experience

The ideal candidate will have substantial experience working with U.S. government organizations and/or policymakers on China defense and security issues, leading research projects and teams, and communicating results to senior audiences.

Proficiency in Mandarin is preferred, but not obligatory.

Security Clearance

U.S. Citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance. An active Secret or interim Secret clearance is required, and an active TS/SCI is preferred.

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China Analyst (early career position)

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 on multi-disciplinary teams, project analysts apply quantitative and qualitative skills to analyze policy problems of national and international importance, and communicate the results of these analyses to decision-makers.

Qualifications

Applicants should have knowledge and demonstrable ability to analyze China-related security and defense policies, strategy, doctrine, and operations. All research 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.

Education Requirements

MA/MS in political science, international studies, strategic studies, public policy, or a related field.

Experience

At least 1 year of relevant experience in security, defense or intelligence policy planning and analysis, preferably with the U.S. government and not including internships, is preferred. Applicants must have advanced Mandarin reading skills, and may be asked to take a RAND-sponsored language test to demonstrate that they have these skills.

Security Clearance

U.S. Citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance. An active Secret or interim Secret clearance is preferred.

Writing Sample Required

Two writing samples are required for this position. Pieces that show rigorous use of evidence and logic which are either solo or lead authored are preferred.

Location

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