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The RAND Corporation, a global leader in public policy research, is seeking a senior researcher and recognized scholar to serve as the inaugural Distinguished Chair for Taiwan Policy. The Chair resides in RAND Global and Emerging Risks Division and reports to the Vice President and Director of the Global and Emerging Risks division.

The Chair will undertake research on questions of consequence for Taiwan's future. These will include assessing its approach to critical technology, economic, and security questions, understanding the role of domestic drivers in shaping Taiwan's policies and actions, Taiwan's evolving regional and global role in these domains, and implications for its relationships with the United States and other key geopolitical actors. The Chair will contribute to related research across the organization, work collaboratively with GER's Centers and Chairs, other national security research divisions, and with RAND's interdisciplinary research staff.

The Chair is a five-year term position, with an option to extend subject to management approval. Funding for the Chair will cover two-thirds of the Chair's time. The Chair will be responsible for securing the remaining funding, through a combination of external philanthropic support and/or sponsored research.

Qualifications

The Chair should be a recognized expert on Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific region, with depth on at least one of the technological, economic, or security domains. The Chair should have a proven track record of policy experience and/or policy-relevant research and publications, fundraising and program building, and strong networks with key stakeholders in government, academia, and industry in the United States, Taiwan, and the Indo-Pacific region.

The Chair, as Senior Researcher, should have extensive knowledge of, and demonstrable ability to, analyze security, military, and geopolitical policies and trends 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 policy research.

All research positions at RAND require excellent analytic skills; 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 the RAND community and to policy-making audiences.

Education Requirements

Ph.D. in related field strongly preferred; Master's may suffice if candidate has deep substantive expertise or extensive policy relevant experience.

Experience

The position is open to external applicants as well as internal research staff from all disciplines at the level of senior research leader. Research experience of at least 8 years is required with 10+ years desired. Fluency in Mandarin is preferred.

Writing Sample

A writing sample is required for this position.

Location

Washington, DC; Pittsburgh, PA; or Santa Monica, CA. A Taiwan-based candidate may also be considered, so long as the candidate is already authorized to work in the United States. This position is flex, which provides the opportunity for work from home and the office.

Occasional travel to other RAND offices as well as travel to meet with collaborators in the U.S. and overseas will be expected.

Security Clearance

Current possession of a U.S. security clearance, or the ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance, is preferred.

Salary Range

Senior Researcher: $152,700-$262,500

At RAND, the Chair is a 5-year term assignment that is performed by an experienced researcher, and the researcher role is not a termed position. The candidate selected for this role will be offered regular employment with RAND as a researcher. 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. Successful candidates will be offered employment as a senior researcher in a specific title, as determined by the candidate's education and experience. The salary range includes base pay plus RAND's sabbatic pay (which provides compensation above base pay when vacation is taken). RAND provides strong benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, paid time-off and more.

Application Review

Review of applications will begin July 6, 2026.

Special Note

Please include/upload both a CV, Cover Letter, and writing sample when applying.

Equal Opportunity Employer