Distinguished Chair Taiwan Policy

Job Type: Regular

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 the RAND Global and Emerging Risks Division and reports to the Vice President and Director of the division. The Chair will undertake research on questions of consequence for Taiwan’s future, including its approach to critical technology, economic, and security questions;

the role of domestic drivers in shaping policies and actions;
Taiwan’s evolving regional and global role; and implications for its relationships with the United States and other key geopolitical actors. The Chair will contribute to related research across the organization, collaborating with GER’s Centers and Chairs, other national security research divisions, and RAND’s interdisciplinary staff. The position is a five‑year term, with the option to extend subject to management approval.

Funding for the Chair will cover two‑thirds of the Chair’s time; the Chair is responsible for securing the remaining funding through external philanthropic support or sponsored research.

The Chair will: analyze security, military, and geopolitical policies and trends; develop new project ideas and secure support from potential sponsors; mentor and develop junior staff; lead and direct multidisciplinary teams; set project standards and monitor progress; and communicate interim and final results to RAND and policy‑making audiences.

• Recognized expert on Taiwan and the Indo‑Pacific region with depth in at least one technological, economic, or security domain.
• Proven track record of policy‑relevant research, publications, fundraising, and program building.
• Strong networks with key stakeholders in government, academia, and industry in the United States, Taiwan, and the Indo‑Pacific region.
• Extensive knowledge of and demonstrable ability to analyze security, military, and geopolitical policies and trends through experience in government, academic, or policy research settings.
• Excellent analytic skills, clear communication in English (oral and written), teamwork, and commitment to RAND’s core values of quality and objectivity.

• Ph.D. in a related field strongly preferred.
• Master’s degree may suffice if the candidate has deep substantive expertise or extensive policy‑relevant experience.

• Research experience of at least 8 years, 10+ years desired.
• Open to external applicants and internal research staff from all disciplines at the senior research leader level.

A writing sample is required for this position.

• Washington, DC;
  Pittsburgh, PA; or Santa Monica, CA.
• Taiwan‑based candidates may be considered if already authorized to work in the United States.
• The position is flex, allowing work from home and the office; occasional travel to RAND offices and collaborations in the U.S. and overseas is expected.

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

Senior Researcher: $152,700–$262,500, inclusive of base pay and RAND’s sabbatical pay.

Review of applications will begin July 6, 2026.

RAND is a research organization that develops solutions to public policy challenges. RAND is nonprofit, nonpartisan, and committed to the public interest. We welcome applicants from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences to apply for this exciting opportunity. RAND provides reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities upon request.