RAND Summer Associate Program 2027: Paid Research Internship in the United States
The RAND Graduate Student Summer Associate Program 2027 offers graduate students an opportunity to gain paid research experience with RAND Corporation, a nonprofit, nonpartisan research organization in the United States. Participants work alongside experienced researchers on projects addressing public policy, national security, economics, health, technology, and other important challenges.
The 12-week program provides professional mentorship, practical research experience, and opportunities to engage with experts. Applications close on 1 December 2026, making this an opportunity for eligible graduate students planning their summer 2027 research activities.
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Internship Overview
The RAND Summer Associate Program connects graduate students with funded research projects that match their academic backgrounds, analytical skills, and interests. Selected candidates work with one or two RAND researchers and contribute to projects that can be completed during the summer assignment.
Research areas may include public policy, political science, economics, sociology, public health, education, engineering, computer science, artificial intelligence, data science, and national security.
Location: United States
Work arrangement: Hybrid, with in-person opportunities or fully remote work from within the United States.
In-person placements are generally available at RAND offices in Santa Monica, California; Washington, DC; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Boston, Massachusetts. Office assignments depend on project requirements and mentor availability.
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Salary and Benefits
The 2027 program advertises compensation of US$32 per hour. Participants receive biweekly pay for hours worked, and positions are eligible for overtime.
Successful applicants can benefit from:
- Paid, full-time research employment.
- Direct mentorship from experienced RAND researchers.
- Experience contributing to active research projects.
- Opportunities to attend research seminars and professional events.
- Networking with researchers from different disciplines.
- The chance to present research findings to the RAND community.
The internship lasts approximately 12 weeks, equivalent to 60 working days. Tentative 2027 start dates include 24 May and 14 June, depending on the assignment.
Applicants should note that relocation assistance is not provided. Candidates planning to work remotely must still satisfy the program’s United States residency requirement.
Qualifications and Experience Requirements
The program primarily targets full-time doctoral students who have completed at least two years of graduate study and are within two years of completing their doctorate.
Eligible doctoral or professional programs may include PhD, EdD, DrPH, and other qualifying advanced degrees, including law and medicine. Selected master’s students may apply in engineering, computer or information science, and operations research, subject to the program’s graduation requirements.
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Experience with quantitative or qualitative research methods.
- Clear written and verbal English communication.
- The ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
- A strong interest in applied, policy-oriented research.
- Commitment to research quality, accuracy, and objectivity.
Relevant research experience, technical expertise, and familiarity with RAND’s research areas can strengthen an application. Some national security projects may require eligibility for a United States government security clearance.
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Eligibility and Application Instructions
Applicants must reside in the United States throughout their summer assignment, excluding US territories. US citizenship is not generally required, and international students may apply if they will live in the United States during the internship and meet the other eligibility conditions.
Undergraduates, high school students, and postdoctoral fellows are not eligible. Students graduating before the summer assignment are also excluded.
To apply, candidates should:
- Visit RAND’s official Summer Associate Program page.
- Identify the application category that matches their academic discipline.
- Review the position-specific qualifications and application requirements.
- Prepare accurate academic information and supporting materials.
- Submit one complete application through RAND’s online application system.
Applicants should review the official instructions carefully, as some candidates may be asked to provide recommendation letters if selected for an interview.
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Deadline and Official Application Link
Application deadline: 1 December 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.
Official application page: https://www.rand.org/jobs/summer-associates.html
Applications submitted by email or post will not be considered. Apply early and ensure that your qualifications match the relevant research category.
Related Research Opportunities
Graduate students interested in research careers can also explore research internships, university-funded doctoral opportunities, public policy fellowships, AI research placements, and economics research positions. Check official university, research institute, and employer websites for eligibility requirements and deadlines.
The RAND Summer Associate Program 2027 is particularly relevant to advanced graduate students seeking paid, mentored research experience. Before applying, confirm the current requirements on RAND’s official website and ensure you can meet the US residency condition for the full assignment.
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