Description
Description
RAND is a nonprofit, nonpartisan research organization focused on improving policy and decision making through high-quality research and objective analysis. At RAND, we 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. We welcome all applicants from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences to apply for this exciting opportunity.
Position Description
RAND's Summer Associate Program introduces outstanding graduate students in aerospace/aeronautical, electrical or mechanical engineering, computer or information science, applied mathematics, data science, artificial intelligence, physics or other related STEM fields to RAND, an institution that conducts research on a wide range of domestic and international social policy issues as well as national security problems. RAND employs about 100 engineers, computer/information scientists, physicists, and applied mathematicians in Santa Monica, CA, Washington, D.C., and Pittsburgh, PA.
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 2026 program will be a hybrid model including in person work at one of RAND’s four 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 2026 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 2026 cycle.
Pay rate
$32.00/hour
Requirements
Eligibility
The position is designed for full-time masters or doctoral students in aerospace/aeronautical, electrical or mechanical engineering, computer or information science, applied mathematics, data science, artificial intelligence, physics, or other related STEM fields. In order to qualify for the program, students must graduate on or after December 2026. Students graduating prior to December 2026 are encouraged to look at our full-time positions at www.rand.org/jobs.
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.
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.
To apply
RAND accepts applications only through our website, https://www.rand.org/jobs/summer-associates.html.Applications mailed directly to RAND or emailed to our Summer Director will not be considered. All applications are due by December 1, 2025, 11:59pm Pacific Time.
Equal Opportunity Employer
