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.

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