Working at Pardee RAND, your next career step!

🎓 Overview of Jobs at Pardee RAND Graduate School of Policy Studies

The Pardee RAND Graduate School of Policy Studies, located in Santa Monica, California, stands as a unique institution deeply integrated with the renowned RAND Corporation. Known for its rigorous training in policy analysis, the school attracts professionals seeking impactful careers in academia and research. Jobs at Pardee RAND Graduate School of Policy Studies primarily encompass faculty positions, research associate roles, and administrative opportunities within higher education. These positions allow experts to contribute to real-world policy solutions while mentoring the next generation of analysts.

Policy analysis, a core focus here, involves using quantitative and qualitative methods to evaluate complex issues like national security, health policy, and global development. Faculty members often split time between teaching in the flagship PhD program and participating in RAND research projects, gaining unparalleled practical experience. Research roles emphasize interdisciplinary work, drawing from economics, political science, and statistics to inform decision-makers.

This Santa Monica gem offers a collaborative environment where employees engage with over 950 RAND researchers. Whether you're eyeing faculty jobs or research positions, opportunities abound for those passionate about evidence-based policymaking.

📜 A Brief History and Evolution

Founded in 1970 as the RAND Graduate Institute (RGI), the school pioneered graduate education in policy analysis at a nonprofit research organization. Charles Wolf Jr. served as its founding dean until 1997, shaping its distinctive model of combining coursework with hands-on research apprenticeships. In 1987, it became the RAND Graduate School, and in 2004, philanthropist Frederick S. Pardee's contributions led to its naming as Pardee RAND Graduate School. By 2025, it rebranded as the RAND School of Public Policy, expanding to Arlington, Virginia, while maintaining its Santa Monica headquarters.

This evolution reflects growing emphasis on practical policy education. Today, jobs at Pardee RAND benefit from this legacy, offering stability and prestige in a field where think tank affiliations like RAND elevate careers. Historical ties ensure roles involve cutting-edge projects, from Cold War-era analyses to modern global challenges.

🔬 Types of Positions and Career Paths

Careers at Pardee RAND span teaching, research, and support roles. Faculty positions involve developing curricula for the PhD in Policy Analysis and master's programs in policy analysis and national security policy. Research roles, often held by PhD students or associates, entail two-plus years on RAND projects, building portfolios for future professor jobs.

• Full-time faculty: Lead seminars, supervise dissertations, publish findings.
• Research analysts/associates: Conduct data-driven studies on topics like climate policy or defense strategy.
• Administrative roles: Support admissions, student affairs, or program coordination.
• Visiting scholars: Short-term positions for policy experts.

For a deeper dive into variations, explore university job types. These paths suit those transitioning from research jobs or government service, with many alumni advancing to senior policy roles.

📊 Required Academic Qualifications, Research Focus, Experience, and Skills

Required Academic Qualifications

A PhD in a relevant field—such as public policy, economics, political science, or operations research—is the baseline for faculty and senior research positions at Pardee RAND Graduate School of Policy Studies. For junior roles, a master's with strong quantitative training suffices initially, but doctoral completion is expected. Admissions data shows successful candidates often hail from top programs, with GPAs above 3.7 and GRE quant scores in the 90th percentile.

Research Focus or Expertise Needed

Expertise must align with RAND's portfolio: quantitative policy analysis, game theory, cost-benefit analysis, and simulation modeling. Key areas include international security, health economics, education policy, and the Pardee Initiative for Global Human Progress, launched in 2013 to address poverty and development.

Preferred Experience

Employers prioritize peer-reviewed publications (e.g., in Journal of Policy Analysis and Management), federal grant experience (NSF, DoD), and consulting for agencies like the Department of Defense. Prior RAND internships or think tank work signal fit.

Skills and Competencies

Core skills include proficiency in Stata, R, Python for data analysis; econometric modeling; and clear writing for policymakers. Soft skills like interdisciplinary teamwork and ethical reasoning are vital in this collaborative setting. Learn more via postdoctoral success tips.

📋 Definitions

Policy Analysis: A systematic approach using data and models to assess policy options, weighing costs, benefits, and uncertainties to recommend optimal strategies.

Research Apprenticeship: Pardee RAND's signature model where students work full-time on faculty-led projects, gaining practical skills beyond classroom theory.

Interdisciplinary Research: Combining methods from multiple fields, like economics and engineering, to tackle multifaceted policy problems at RAND.

✅ Application Process and Tips

Applications for jobs at Pardee RAND Graduate School of Policy Studies route through RAND's careers site (rand.org/jobs). Prepare:

1. CV: Highlight publications, citations (Google Scholar metrics), and policy impacts. Use free resume templates.
2. Cover Letter: Connect experience to specific RAND projects; mention Santa Monica's appeal for West Coast policy hubs.
3. Research Statement: Outline 3-5 year agenda aligning with school priorities.
4. References: 3-5 from policy leaders.
5. Interviews: Expect policy case studies and research presentations.

Apply early; rolling reviews. Network via RAND events. Tailor for California-specific policies like climate resilience. For CV advice, see how to write a winning academic CV.

🌈 Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

Pardee RAND, via RAND, champions diversity through the Summer Institute for underrepresented minorities in quantitative policy analysis. Recruitment targets women and minorities in STEM-policy fields. Bias training for hiring committees ensures equitable processes. The school's small size fosters inclusive seminars, with initiatives like affinity groups for LGBTQ+ and veterans. In 2024, over 40% of PhD students identified as underrepresented, reflecting commitment. These efforts create vibrant perspectives for innovative policy research.

⚖️ Work-Life Balance and Campus Life

In Santa Monica's coastal vibe, Pardee RAND offers hybrid work blending office collaboration with flexibility. RAND provides generous PTO (25+ days), parental leave (16 weeks), and wellness stipends. Faculty enjoy sabbaticals every 7 years. Campus life includes beach proximity for runs, team-building hikes, and seminars with policymakers. Arlington expansion adds East Coast options. Low student-faculty ratio (under 10:1) prevents burnout, emphasizing mentorship over volume. Employees praise supportive culture amid high-impact work.

🚀 Career Growth and Benefits

Progression from research associate to tenure-track faculty is common, with RAND funding conferences and collaborations. Salaries competitive: assistant professors ~$120K-$150K, per professor salaries data. Benefits include 401(k) match, tuition reimbursement, and health coverage. Proximity to LA's policy ecosystem aids networking.

📈 Why Pursue Jobs at Pardee RAND?

Joining Pardee RAND means shaping policy at a top think tank school. With its history since 1970 and real-world focus, it's ideal for ambitious academics. Explore higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job on AcademicJobs.com for more opportunities.