RAND Graduate Student Summer Associate Program 2027: Apply for this Paid Research Opportunity in the United States - Global South Opportunities

Graduate students pursuing doctoral and selected professional degrees have an opportunity to gain valuable research experience through the RAND Graduate Student Summer Associate Program 2027 in the Un

The programme is primarily intended for full-time graduate students who have completed at least two years of graduate-level study towards a doctoral or qualifying professional degree.

Eligible qualifications include:

• PhD programmes.
• Doctor of Education (EdD).
• Doctor of Public Health (DrPH).
• Doctor of Science (ScD).
• Professional degrees such as law and medicine.
• Professional engineering qualifications.

Applicants must remain enrolled full-time in a graduate degree programme during both spring and autumn 2027.

Students expecting to graduate before December 2027 are not eligible.

Selected master’s students may be considered in specific disciplines, particularly engineering, computer or information science, and operations research.

Applications are submitted through RAND’s official online application process.

Interested candidates should prepare the following:

1. Academic Information

Applicants must provide information about their university, department, degree programme and academic background.

2. Curriculum Vitae or Resume

Submit an updated CV or resume highlighting your academic qualifications, research experience, professional background, technical skills and relevant achievements.

3. Cover Letter

Your cover letter should explain your research interests, relevant experience and motivation for joining the RAND Summer Associate Program.

4. Short-Answer Questions

Applicants must respond to three questions, with a maximum of 250 words per response:

• Describe your substantive research interests and previous experience in those areas.
• Explain your research skills and methodological expertise, including how you have applied them in previous research.
• Explain why you are interested in the RAND Summer Associate Program and how the experience would contribute to your career development.

5. Two Referees

Applicants must provide contact details for two professors or other individuals familiar with their research work and willing to provide recommendations.

Letters of recommendation will only be requested if the applicant progresses to the interview stage. Applicants will be notified before their referees are contacted.

Only one application per applicant will be considered.