National Security Data Scientist/Statistical Research Programmer

Key Skills

Aartificial intelligence, Analytical and Problem solving, Data Analytics, Data Mining, Data science techniques, Effective communication skills, Machine learning techniques, PowerBI, Python Programming, R Programming, SAS, Stata, Statistics, Tableau

Job Description

Diversity at RAND

Diversity, equity, and inclusivity are essential operating principles at RAND. We are committed to maintaining a collegial environment that respects the contributions and dignity of all staff, where individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths. This commitment is guided by an organization-wide framework for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, and paired with significant investments to sustain and center these principles in leadership, research, and community and stakeholder engagement. An advisory council comprised of staff at all levels provides critical feedback and perspective on the organization's diversity, equity, and inclusion plans and activities. Employee Resource Groups are staff-driven grassroots communities that seek to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion at RAND by facilitating community, connection, and a greater sense of belonging and well-being among colleagues. In our recruitment and retention efforts, we seek unique backgrounds, original views, and diversity in academic training, work experience, and ideological outlook.

Position Description

The RAND Corporation seeks National Security Data Scientists and Statistical Research Programmers to conduct data-focused research and analysis on a variety of national security-focused issues across our federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs). Data scientists and statistical research programmers at RAND are integral members of RAND research teams focused on creating, managing, analyzing, and visualizing complex data using innovative methodologies to support RAND’s sponsor base in the national security field.

Data scientists and statistical research programmers in this position are expected to possess and develop a detailed understanding of specific national security topics, a thorough knowledge of the data involved while applying programming and analytic skills and be capable of communicating complex empirical analyses within RAND research teams and to U.S. government sponsors.

Data Scientists and Statistical Research Programmers in the position are expected to:

• Possess and develop a strong understanding of national security research topics and a thorough knowledge of data and methodologies that could be used to answer specific policy questions
• Answer research questions by using appropriate data analytic techniques
• Manipulate and analyze complex, often messy data from various sources to bring empirical rigor to national security policy challenges
• Communicate findings to technical and non-technical staff, and RAND project sponsors within the national security field
• Work as a member of research teams to identify and answer important research questions using data and statistical methods

Qualifications

• Applicants should possess significant professional experience (at least 2-4 years) in at least one of the following:
• Statistical analysis of national security data (with proficiency in R, Stata, Python, SAS or other statistical analysis software)
• Applying artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data mining techniques to national security-relevant problems
• Building customized visualizations of national security-related data (in Tableau, PowerBI, RShiny, GIS tools, etc.)
• Designing and/or executing modeling and simulation tools (e.g. AFSIM, JCATS, STORM, etc.) to support national security research
• Baseline knowledge and ability to develop subject matter expertise in national security issues relevant to RAND research, including but not limited to any of the following:
• Strategic competition with China and Russia, and other global or regional political and military challenges
• Military forces, capabilities, and plans
• Defense acquisitions, technology, personnel, and logistics
• Intelligence analysis, capabilities, priorities, and planning
• Homeland security and national defense
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex quantitative analysis in a clear, precise, and actionable manner 
• A highly motivated self-starter with the ability to solve data analysis problems independently

Education Requirements

• MA/MS preferred in Public Policy, Economics, International Relations, Quantitative Social Science, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Operations Research, or related fields.
• BA/BS with at least 4 years of relevant professional experience will be considered.

Experience

• Two years minimum relevant professional experience conducting data-driven national security analysis with MA/MS.
• Four years minimum relevant professional experience with BA/BS.
• Experience working in research settings preferred
• Experience working with national security-focused U.S. Government departments and agencies strongly preferred

Security Clearance 

Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance is required. Current possession of Top Secret or Secret U.S. government security clearance is preferred.

Location 

Washington, D.C.; Santa Monica, CA; Pittsburgh, PA 

Coding Sample Required

Applicants will be required to provide Code sample(s) -related work uploaded as a writing sample.

Salary Ranges

• Data Scientist II: $82,100 - 122,100
• Data Scientist III: $95,100 - $144,800
• Data Scientist IV: $113,700 - $173,600

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. 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.