Job Type: Regular Position Description RAND seeks a distinguished leader and recognized authority on Department of War (DoW) space defense operations, strategy, technology, and policy to develop and conduct high-impact analyses that inform strategic decision-making by senior USSF, OSW and USSPACECOM leaders. They will integrate deep knowledge of space defense-related issues with RAND’s research capabilities to provide actionable, independent insight into challenges and opportunities in the national security space domain. The Chair is a five-year term position. Funding for the Chair will cover one-half of the Chair’s time. The Chair will be responsible for securing the remaining funding, through sponsored research. Why RAND? · Reputation for Excellence: Be part of a non-profit, non-partisan organization renowned for its rigorous and objective research. · Dynamic Opportunities: Collaborate in multidisciplinary teams on diverse projects that challenge and expand your skills. · Poised for Impact: Your analysis will inform thousands of policymakers, clients, and other stakeholders around the world. Key Responsibilities: Lead and conduct high-impact research on the USSF and DoW’s most consequential operational, strategic, technology, and policy challenges in the space domain — including deterrence and escalation, industrial base, resilience, commercial integration, capability development, command and control, and force design. Serve as a recognized thought leader internally at RAND and in engagements with USSF, OSW, and USSPACECOM leadership and the broader national security space community. Contribute to and help shape RAND's space research agenda, identifying the most consequential analytic gaps and translating them into rigorous, actionable research and analysis. Lead multidisciplinary research teams on individual projects, integrating expertise across policy, engineering, operations, and strategy. Communicate findings effectively to senior decision-makers through written reports, briefings, and direct engagement with USSF and DoW space stakeholders. Support business development by helping identify and scope sponsored research opportunities aligned with USSF and DoW space priorities. Mentor and develop RAND staff to strengthen and sustain RAND's space defense capabilities. Qualifications Successful applicants will have the following qualifications: Nationally recognized thought leader in space operations, strategy, technology, or policy, demonstrated through senior advisory roles, significant publications, or operational leadership. Deep familiarity with current and emerging national security space capabilities, programs, and challenges. Extensive network within the U.S. Space Force, Department of War, intelligence community, and related stakeholders. Proven ability to drive and shape strategic thinking through evidence-based analysis. Experience managing multidisciplinary research teams and complex projects. Deep experience or expertise on the U.S. Space Force is strongly preferred, whether gained within the Space Force, OSW, other parts of government, industry, or academia. 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. Education Requirements A Ph.D. with at least 10 years of relevant professional experience is preferred. A master’s degree with at least 15 years of relevant professional experience or a bachelor’s degree with at least 20 years of relevant professional experience is acceptable. Candidates with degrees in a relevant field (engineering, physics, operations research, public or defense policy, etc.) are preferred. Professional experience should demonstrate the applicant’s ability to design, execute, and disseminate results of research and analysis using analytically rigorous methods. Security Clearance Active TS//SCI clearance is strongly preferred. Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance. Please note that U.S. citizenship is required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance. Location Washington, D.C. is strongly preferred, with regular engagement at USSF, OSW and USSPACECOM locations as required. Santa Monica, CA, Pittsburgh, PA, or offsite work arrangements will be considered. Writing Sample Required Successful applications will include documentation in the application package of activities that meet stated qualifications. In addition to a CV and Cover Letter, a writing sample of 3 pages or more is required when applying for this position. Applicants are encouraged to use recent research published in professional reports, academic journals, or conference proceedings. Applicants whose written products have dissemination restrictions (e.g., are classified), may submit a short, written summary (i.e., less than one page) of one or more recent products they have developed. Note that applicants invited to interview will be required to provide a writing sample and present a seminar describing recent research and analysis. Writing samples can be redacted or subsequently submitted through restricted channels and the seminar can be held in a classified environment as needed. Salary Range: $171,800 - $283,100 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 This posting will be open until December 11, 2026. Equal Opportunity Employer RAND is a research organization that develops solutions to public policy challenges to help make communities throughout the world safer and more secure, healthier and more prosperous. RAND’s research and analysis address issues that impact people everywhere, including security, health, education, sustainability, growth, and development. RAND has approximately 1,750 people working in offices in the United States, Europe, and Australia, with annual revenues of $470 million. RAND is nonprofit, nonpartisan, and committed to the public interest. Our research is sponsored by government agencies, international organizations, and foundations. We rely on philanthropic support to pursue visionary ideas; address critical problems that are under-researched; and devise innovative approaches for solving acute, complex, or provocative policy challenges. RAND values objectivity and integrity in both its research processes and internal interactions. We emphasize a collegial environment that respects the contributions and dignity of all staff. RAND's reputation is built on quality and objectivity. RAND provides an exciting intellectual environment and opportunities for career growth with challenging assignments. As collaboration in interdisciplinary teams is an essential operating principle at RAND, we hire highly qualified talent and empower our people to do their best work by fostering a culture in which different views, backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued and respected, and staff have a sense of belonging with their colleagues, fair access to opportunities, and feel comfortable bringing their best selves to work each day. As part of our commitment to Equal Opportunity Employment, we welcome all applicants from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences to apply for this exciting opportunity. RAND is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact Human Resources at (310) 393-0411 or at [email protected] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

Distinguished Chair for Space Defense Policy.

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