Operations Researcher
RAND is currently recruiting for an Operations Researchers who can contribute to RAND technical research across national/homeland security and socio-economic policy areas. RAND’s reputation for high quality, objective analysis is built upon a cadre of experts with strong research skills and experience in government and the private sector. As multidisciplinary research is a key component of RAND analysis, research staff at RAND bring their subject matter and methodological expertise to bear on a wide range of policy problems across RAND's research agenda. Researchers apply their skills to emerging problems at the cutting edge of their fields and apply their insights to critical policy issues, as well as apply their skills to new and emerging areas in novel and flexible ways. RAND studies often pose novel challenges in analysis, modeling, research design, and computing.
Operations Researchers leverage applied mathematics and data science to design, conduct, and lead research that advises policymakers and private sector clients on a diverse set of issues ranging from global supply chain, military logistics, and cost analysis to workforce policy, the allocation of public health resources, and the implementation of electric power deregulation.
Qualifications
All research positions at RAND require excellent analytic skills; technological knowledge; 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. All applicants are expected to have evidence of strong skills in the technical aspects of Operations Research, such as applied mathematics, optimization, modeling and simulation, data science, and logistics and operations. Successful applicants will also have research experience applying these skills in government, industry, and/or academia.
Applicants with more than 10 years of experience will also be required to have the ability to mentor and develop junior staff members, lead and direct multi-disciplinary teams, set project standards and monitor progress, engage with sponsors, and communicate interim and results to the RAND community and to policy-making audience.
As this is an early to-mid career level position, applicants with less than 10 years of experience, as outlined below, are preferred.
Experience
All applicants must have documented research experience specific to Operations Research, either as part of academic activities (e.g. dissertation) or professional experience.
Specialization in one of the following research areas is preferred:
- Military Operations and Force Structure Analysis
- Military and Commercial Global Supply Chain and Logistics Analysis
- Workforce Research
- Cost Analysis and Resource Allocation
Education Requirements
MS with thesis in Operations Research, Industrial Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or related field plus five years of relevant research experience; or a PhD in Operations Research or related field is required for this position. Applicants with a PhD in Operations Research, Industrial Engineering, Applied Mathematics or other related field with dissertations or other research experience that demonstrate using operations research techniques are strongly preferred. Applicants at the dissertation stage with an anticipated completion of their PhD within 12 months will also be considered. Policy-relevant experience desired, but not required.
Security Clearance
The ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance is required for this position, which requires U.S. citizenship.
Writing Sample Required
A writing sample is required for this position.
Location
Santa Monica, CA; Washington, DC; Pittsburgh, PA
Equal Opportunity Employer: race/color/religion/sex/sexual orientation/gender identity/national origin/disability/vet