Distinguished Chair for Taiwan Policy

Job Type:

Regular

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.

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

A writing sample is required for this position.

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.

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

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.

Review of applications will begin July 6, 2026.

Equal Opportunity Employer