RAND Summer Associate Program

1 month ago

Santa Monica, United States RAND Full time
Job Type:
Adjunct Staff (Fixed Term)

RAND is a nonprofit, nonpartisan research organization focused on improving policy and decision making through high-quality research and objective analysis. Our research is enriched through diverse, multidisciplinary teams that draw on a range of experiences and perspectives. We are committed to striving for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Research and analysis is enriched by diversity of talents, experiences, and perspectives. We welcome all applicants, including those who identify as part of historically marginalized groups.

Position Description

RAND's Summer Associate Program introduces outstanding graduate students conducting national security-related work in political science; history; public policy; public administration; international relations; or area studies to the RAND Corporation, an institution that conducts research on a wide range of domestic and international social policy issues as well as national security problems.

RAND advises a variety of defense clients on policy-level decisions relating to defense programs, military systems, future force structure and doctrine, homeland security, and national military strategy. Working with multidisciplinary teams, national security 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.

Summer Associates experience the following at RAND:
  • Typically work at RAND for a 12-week period (60 work days) during the summer;
  • Receive a bi-weekly paycheck during their assignment with RAND;
  • Conduct research that can be completed during their time at RAND and present the results of this research to the RAND community via a 15-30 minute briefing at the end of their three-month assignment;
  • Are closely mentored by one to two established RAND researchers;
  • Are highly encouraged to network and interact with other researchers outside of their primary mentorship team and area of expertise;
  • Are invited to attend a number of seminars from researchers both within and outside of RAND.
Please note: Our summer 2025 program will be a hybrid model including in person work at one of RAND's offices with remote flexibility or working fully remote from where you live.

In person positions are typically available in RAND's major U.S. offices-Santa Monica, CA; Washington, DC; Pittsburgh, PA; and Boston, MA. Office placement decisions depend on the availability of in-person mentorship.

Students must reside in the U.S. throughout their RAND summer assignment. International students who are planning to live in the U.S. during the summer of 2025 are eligible to apply. Any applicant who does not plan to live in the United States during the summer is not eligible for hire in the 2025 cycle.

Qualifications

The position is designed for full-time doctoral students in political science, history, public policy, public administration, international relations or area studies or other related fields who: (1) have completed at least two years of graduate work leading to a doctorate or professional degree (e.g., law or medical degree); and (2) are within two years of completion of this doctorate or degree.

A keen interest in working on applied, policy-oriented research questions is necessary. Applicants are strongly encouraged to explore RAND's website (www.rand.org) for details on RAND's ongoing research portfolio. Unfortunately, we do not know in advance which projects may require summer associates.

In connection with national security or defense projects, many positions require that applicants be eligible to receive, or currently hold, a security clearance from the United States government.

Additional qualifications required:
  • Excellent analytic skills;
  • Proven ability in quantitative and/or qualitative research methods;
  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English, both verbally and in writing;
  • Ability to work effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team;
  • Strong commitment to RAND's core values of quality and objectivity;
  • Proof of legal right to work in the United States is required upon hire;
  • U.S. Citizenship is not necessary except when required for certain types of project work (e.g., the project contract requires it or the project work itself requires a security clearance)
  • Residency in the U.S. (excluding U.S. territories) is required
Who is not eligible?

The program does not hire high school students, undergraduates, or postdoctoral fellows at this time. Graduate students who will graduate prior to the summer of employment are not eligible. The program typically does not consider master's degree students except in the Engineering, Computer or Information Science, and Operations Research disciplines.

Specializations of Interest
  • Military Systems and Organization
  • Future Force Structure and Doctrine
  • National Military Strategy
  • Military Operation and Tactics
Security Clearance

U.S. Citizenship may be required for positions requiring a U.S. government security clearance.

Pay Rate

$32.00/hour

RAND Summer Associate positions receive bi-weekly compensation for hours that are worked. The positions are also overtime eligible.

Special Note

Applicants are required to submit two documents and should be prepared to answer three short answer questions as well as provide contact information for two (2) individuals who may be asked to provide letters of recommendation:
  • Resume or curriculum vitae
  • Cover Letter
  • Short answer questions (which will be filled out on the online application):
    • Briefly describe your substantive interests and past experience in those areas
    • Briefly describe your skills and methodological expertise and how you have used those tools in previous research experiences
    • Briefly describe why you are interested in the RAND Summer Associate Program and what role you see this experience playing in your career development
  • Please be prepared to provide the contact information for two (2) professors or individuals (their name, their organization, and their email address) familiar with your research work and who would be willing to provide a letter of recommendation. If you are selected for an interview, these individuals will be asked to provide letters of recommendation. NOTE: You will be notified before we contact your recommenders. We typically request letters in late January/early February, so you may consider asking your recommenders to have their letters ready to submit around this time to allow sufficient time to prepare your letters.


Please submit only one application. (Submitting more than one application will not increase the chances of being selected as one application will be randomly withdrawn)

Applications will be reviewed throughout the application period. All applications are due by December 2, 2024.

Applicants will be notified of RAND's interest in conducting an interview after the application period has ended. You will be contacted directly only if you are selected for an interview. Interviews will be conducted beginning in late January, continuing as late as February and March. Offers are typically extended in late March.

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

  • RAND Summer Associate Program

    2 weeks ago

    Santa Monica, CA, United States RAND Corporation Full time

    Job Type: Adjunct Staff (Fixed Term)RAND is a nonprofit, nonpartisan research organization focused on improving policy and decision making through high-quality research and objective analysis. Our research is enriched through diverse, multidisciplinary teams that draw on a range of experiences and perspectives. We are committed to striving for diversity,...

  • Summer Associate

    7 days ago

    Santa Monica, United States RAND Corporation Full time

    Job Type: Adjunct Staff (Fixed Term)RAND is a nonprofit, nonpartisan research organization focused on improving policy and decision making through high-quality research and objective analysis. Our research is enriched through diverse, multidisciplinary teams that draw on a range of experiences and perspectives. We are committed to striving for diversity,...

  • Summer Associate

    2 weeks ago

    Santa Monica, United States RAND Corporation Full time

    Job Type: Adjunct Staff (Fixed Term)RAND is a nonprofit, nonpartisan research organization focused on improving policy and decision making through high-quality research and objective analysis. Our research is enriched through diverse, multidisciplinary teams that draw on a range of experiences and perspectives. We are committed to striving for diversity,...

  • Economist Research Assistant

    1 month ago

    Santa Monica, California, United States RAND Full time

    bJob Opportunity/bbrbrRAND, a nonprofit research organization, is seeking a highly motivated and talented graduate student in Economics to participate in its Summer Associate Program. This program provides a unique opportunity for students to engage in applied, policy-oriented research and gain valuable experience working with a multidisciplinary...

  • Cybersecurity Engineer

    1 month ago

    Santa Monica, California, United States RAND Full time

    Job Summary:RAND is seeking a skilled Cybersecurity Engineer - Vulnerability Management Lead to manage the development, implementation, and operations of our vulnerability management program. This role involves identifying, analyzing, and mitigating vulnerabilities, coordinating with stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with industry standards and best...

  • Senior Research Accounting Analyst

    4 weeks ago

    Santa Monica, United States RAND Full time

    Job Type: Regular RAND seeks a Senior Research Accounting Analyst to support its Time and Materials (T&M) portfolio management. The successful candidate will undertake a range of tasks to support financial operations, with a particular focus on Time & Materials (T&M) contracts. This role will also support business processes and the control framework for...

  • Cybersecurity Engineer – Vulnerability Management Lead

    3 months ago

    Santa Monica, United States RAND Full time

    Job Type: Regular Cybersecurity Engineer – Vulnerability Management Lead - Information Security Summary: Information Security is seeking a skilled Vulnerability Management Lead to manage the development, implementation, and operations of RAND’S vulnerability management program. This role involves identifying, analyzing, and mitigating...

  • Head of Strategic Communications

    1 month ago

    Santa Monica, California, United States RAND Corporation Full time

    Job Type: RegularJob DescriptionThe Head of Strategic Communications for RAND's Homeland Security Research Division (HSRD) is a key member of the division's leadership team who will provide counsel and execute plans at the intersection of HSRD's research agenda, operations, and strategic goals. The role involves developing and managing processes to help HSRD...

  • Retail Sales Associate

    3 weeks ago

    Santa Monica, United States Verizon Full time

    Job DescriptionJob DescriptionWhen you join VerizonYou want more out of a career. A place to share your ideas freely — even if they’re daring or different. Where the true you can learn, grow, and thrive. At Verizon, we power and empower how people live, work and play by connecting them to what brings them joy. We do what we love — driving innovation,...

  • Clinical Program Manager Women's Treatment Program

    4 weeks ago

    Santa Monica, United States CLARE|MATRIX Full time

    Job DescriptionJob DescriptionAre you in search of a role that provides opportunity for growth, and encourages career advancement? Do you want to save lives and have a positive influence on the community? Look no further than CLARE|MATRIX!Whether you work within the clinical arena, or the administrative world. We all work toward our shared mission, and...

  • Sales Associate

    3 months ago

    Santa Monica, United States pacsun Full time

    Join the Pacsun CommunityPacsun is dedicated to delivering an exclusive collection of the most relevant brands and styles to a community of inspired youth. Through partnerships with brands such as adidas, Brandy Melville, Essentials Fear of God, our own brands, and many more. Our Pacsun community believes in and understands the importance of using our voice,...

  • Teen Programs Hearst Intern

    2 weeks ago

    Santa Barbara, United States Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Full time

    Title: Teen Programs Hearst Intern Classification: Temporary, Part-Time, Non-Exempt Department: Education - Teen Programs Reports To: Teen Programs Manager Wage Band: Technical Skills Level 1 Pay: $20.80 per hour Mission: The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History inspires a thirst for discovery and a passion for the natural world. Position Summary: The...

  • Part-Time School Occupational Therapist Summer Program- Santa Maria, CA

    2 months ago

    Santa Maria, United States Sunbelt Staffing Part time

    Job DescriptionJob DescriptionMinimum 1+ years occupational therapy experience required.Sunbelt is currently hiring a contractOccupational Therapistwithguaranteed hoursat a school district near Santa Maria, CAfor the Summer. Job description: PreK-5th District Provide Therapy & Supervision Direct & Indirect Services Work Hours: Part-Time (Flexible)...

  • Sales Associate

    3 months ago

    Santa Monica, United States pacsun Full time

    Join the Pacsun CommunityPacsun is dedicated to delivering an exclusive collection of the most relevant brands and styles to a community of inspired youth. Through partnerships with brands such as adidas, Brandy Melville, Essentials Fear of God, our own brands, and many more.Our Pacsun community believes in and understands the importance of using our voice,...

  • Community Sales Associate

    2 weeks ago

    Santa Monica, California, United States Brookdale Ocean House Full time

    OverviewBrookdale Ocean House, an oceanfront property in Santa Monica, is seeking a part-time sales assistant to work 1-3 days a week. The ideal candidate will be motivated to assist with property tours, manage leads, and address inquiries from prospective residents and families.Makes Lives Better Including Your Own.We offer a dynamic environment where you...

  • Stockroom Associate

    2 weeks ago

    Santa Monica, California, United States West Elm Full time

    About the RoleWe are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Stockroom Associate to join our team. As a Stockroom Associate, you will be responsible for receiving shipments, accurately maintaining inventory records, and maintaining stockroom and off-site locations.Key Responsibilities:Receive shipments and accurately maintain inventory recordsMaintain...

  • Summer Camp Director

    1 month ago

    Santa Cruz, United States Disability Solutions Full time

    Company DescriptionGalileo Learning brings best-in-class educational programs to tens of thousands of kids each year through 75+ in-person summer day camps across the country. Galileo is an educational innovation camp working with kids in K-8 education. We believe the world needs innovators and that innovation can be taught. Join us!We were named one of the...

  • Stockroom Associate

    6 days ago

    Santa Monica, California, United States Pottery Barn Full time

    About the RoleWe are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Stockroom Associate to join our team. As a Stockroom Associate, you will be responsible for receiving shipments, accurately maintaining inventory records, and maintaining stockroom and off-site locations.Key Responsibilities:Receive shipments and accurately maintain inventory recordsMaintain...

  • Guest Services Associate

    2 months ago

    Santa Monica, United States Cayton Children's Museum Full time

    JOB SUMMARY As the first and last face our guests see during their visit, the Guest Services Associate plays a vital role in creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The Cayton Children's Museum prioritizes hospitality and strives to provide timely, seamless service. The Guest Services Associate will handle guest inquiries with care, manage expectations...

  • Wealth Planning Associate

    4 weeks ago

    Santa Monica, United States Gerber Kawasaki Wealth and Investment Management Full time

    Gerber Kawasaki is one of the fastest growing and most influential Independent Wealth and Investment Management firms in the country. We are seeking a Wealth Planning Associate to join our growing team. This entry-level position is ideal for someone who is passionate about finance and looking to develop their skills in a dynamic and supportive environment....