Distinguished Chair for Space Defense Policy

Job Type:

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.

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.