System Acquisition Researcher
Company: RAND Corporation
Location: Santa Monica
Posted on: March 9, 2023
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Job Description:
Position Description RAND is seeking highly motivated
researchers and experienced practitioners who would like to use
their technical and domain expertise to directly impact government
acquisition policy. The U.S. federal government spends hundreds of
billions of dollars each year to acquire and sustain systems that
support our national and homeland security. RAND System Acquisition
Researchers conduct research that informs the policies and
decisions surrounding acquisition strategy and operations. They
lead and contribute to multidisciplinary project teams to analyze
acquisition policy problems where the technical details matter.
Acquisition research and analysis are carried out by four federally
funded research and development centers (FFRDCs) that focus on U.S.
national and homeland security policy issues. System Acquisition
Researchers share and uphold RAND's values to high-quality,
rigorous analysis and objectivity, which has secured RAND's
reputation for excellence and attracts studies that often pose
novel challenges in analysis, modeling, research design, and
computing. Researchers apply their skills in novel and flexible
ways to emerging problems at the cutting edge of their fields and
apply their insights to critical policy issues. Responsibilities
The System Acquisition Researcher will use their practical
knowledge and experience in acquisition programs, coupled with
their technical and methodological skills (e.g., in engineering,
operations research, applied mathematics, and physical sciences)
to: Develop research approaches to solve complex government
acquisition policy problems. Execute this research using a broad
range of analytically rigorous, quantitative and/or qualitative
research tools, methods, and skills. Interpret research results to
support decision-making surrounding complex government acquisition
policy problems. Communicate acquisition research results to public
policy makers at all levels through written products and oral
presentations. Qualifications 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. Successful applicants will have: Demonstrated
technical or methodological skills, and/or domain knowledge in one
or more acquisition-related fields. Examples of these skills and
knowledge include: cost analysis analyses of alternatives
business-case analyses supply chain management technology
transition/transfer model-based systems engineering
acquisition/procurement policy and statute (e.g., JCIDS, FAR,
PPBE), and acquisition lifecycle processes (e.g., requirements
development; acquisition strategy; source selection; design,
development, and integration; test and evaluation; and production).
Research experience applying these skills to acquisition problems
in government, industry, and/or academia. This research experience
will demonstrate the applicant's ability to design, execute and
disseminate results of research using analytically rigorous
methods. Strong evidence of this research experience will be
demonstrated through authorship of academic publications,
conference presentations, or prior professional reports. Education
Requirements A PhD with coursework or research relevant to
government systems acquisition is preferred. Candidates with
degrees in engineering, operations research, applied mathematics,
and physical sciences are preferred. A minimum of a master's degree
and at least 5 years of relevant professional experience, or a
bachelor's degree with at least 10 years of relevant professional
experience, is required, with a thesis or capstone project
preferred. Candidates who do not meet the education/experience
qualifications may qualify for the Entry/Mid-level Acquisition
Analyst position which can be found on the RAND Careers website.
Experience Successful applicants with more than 10 years of
experience will have demonstrated leadership experience through the
following activities: mentoring and developing junior staff
members, leading and directing multi-disciplinary teams, setting
project standards and monitoring progress, engaging with
stakeholders, and communicating research results to the RAND
community and to policy-making audiences. Security Clearance
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 Santa Monica,
CA; Washington, DC; Pittsburgh, PA; Boston, MA; Offsite work
arrangements will be considered. Application Materials CV, cover
letter, and a writing sample are required (PDF documents are
preferred). A writing sample of 3 pages or more is required for
this position. Applicants are encouraged to use recent pieces that
have been published in academic or other journals but may use
master's theses or papers written for coursework, prior employment,
or internships. Successful applications will include documentation
in the application package of academic and professional activities
that meet stated qualifications. Note that applicants invited to
interview will be required to present a seminar describing recent
research. Salary Range Associate Researcher: $94,800 - $148,350
Full Researcher: $109,600 - $181,075 Senior Researcher: $149,100 -
$252,075 Hiring ranges for Economists, Management Scientists and
Physician Researchers are slightly higher than the ranges shown.
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 an Associate,
Full, or 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 additional
compensation above base pay when vacation is taken). In addition,
RAND provides strong benefits including health insurance coverage,
life and disability insurance, savings plan, paid time-off and
more. Equal Opportunity Employer: race/color/religion/sex/sexual
orientation/gender identity/national origin/disability/vet
Keywords: RAND Corporation, Santa Monica , System Acquisition Researcher, Other , Santa Monica, California
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