Director, China Research Center, and Distinguished Tang Chair in China Research

Washington, DC (DC Metro Area), USFull-time$153k–$263k2026-10-12 → 2026-11-12

Hybrid · United StatesSecurity clearance required

Core

Lead the China Research Center at RAND, managing research on China's economic/technological power and AI implications for U.S. policymakers.

Role type

Senior IC research director (strategy & management)

Builds

Policy-relevant research products and strategic plans on China and AI

Domain

Geopolitics, National Security, China Studies, Artificial Intelligence

Required skills

Strategic planning, Research portfolio management, Fundraising, Government/Industry engagement, Team leadership, Policy analysis

Preferred skills

China policy expertise, Technology/Geopolitics intersection knowledge, Mandarin fluency, Quantitative methods

Technologies

None stated

Responsibilities

Develop and execute strategic plan, Define research agenda, Recruit research team, Build relationships with decisionmakers, Pursue funding opportunities, Collaborate on China/AI research

Seniority

Senior, hands-on IC with management duties

About rand

RAND is nonprofit, nonpartisan, and committed to the public interest. Our research is sponsored by government agencies, foundations, other nonprofit organizations, and the private sector. We rely on philanthropic support to reach beyond the scope of client-sponsored work to tackle questions that may be too big, too complex, or too new for our clients to address. RAND values objectivity and integrity in both its research processes and internal interactions. We emphasize a collegial environment that respects the contributions and dignity of all staff.